Sendik’s Food Market Raised $126,964 In Food Donations

BROOKFIELD, WI— Sendik’s Food Market customers, employees and the community across all 17 stores, including the Brookfield and Wauwatosa locations, raised a record-setting $126,964 in food donations, according to a news release.

The food, delivered in three semi-truckloads, weighs over 134,009 lbs. and provides 282,667 meals via recipient Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin (FAEW).

Sendik’s food donation is the largest contribution through the market’s partnership with FAEW and is one of FAEW’s largest retailer donations of food ever, the release said.

Along with the food, Sendik’s presented FAEW with a cash donation of $50,000 fulfilling its promise to match community funds raised, as well as an additional $7,578 in cash from the community, for a total cash donation of $57,578, the release said.

The semitrucks delivered the donated food, including more than 600 cases of cereal, 700 cases of canned vegetables and other staples, on Friday in order to stock the FAEW warehouse for its most critical time of need during the holidays.

Throughout the summer, Sendik’s Food Market employees asked customers to round-up to the nearest dollar, exchange reward points for donations and purchase face masks and FAEW bracelets with all proceeds going to this donation. Other contributions were through Sendik’s Express orders, the release said.

“For more than a decade, we’ve had a strong relationship with Sendik’s and have always been exceptionally appreciative of its donations – but this year, its customers and employees truly went above and beyond, donating what is the largest one-time retail donation for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin this year,” said Patti Habeck, President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

According to Habeck, the Sendik’s support could not have come at a better time as FAEW is already seeing an 89% increase in the food it has distributed since March this year, and it is just entering what is typically its highest demand period, the release said.

“We are so proud of our Sendik’s community, especially our customers and employees who teamed together during this challenging year to provide the largest food and cash donation in our company’s history,” said Ted Balistreri, co-owner of Sendik’s Food Market. “As a local grocery store, we know it’s our responsibility to help address the hunger need in our neighborhoods, and we are proud to support Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and its crucial mission.”

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.