Cart Away Hunger: A Star-Studded Grocery Grab for a Noble Cause
Tomorrow morning, the Staunton Kroger will transform into a vibrant arena where local celebrities engage in a friendly yet fiercely competitive grocery shopping spree. Dubbed “Cart Away Hunger,” this event is not just any competition—it’s a heartening community effort to bolster the mission of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
An Exciting Competition with a Purpose
This annual event, titled “Shop to Stop Hunger,” kicks off at 10 a.m. on March 27, at 850 Statler Boulevard, Staunton. The rules are straightforward but exhilarating: each participant has exactly 60 seconds to fill their cart with as many valuable products as possible. However, the real winners are the individuals in need who benefit from the charity and generosity of the community.
Event History and Impact
Since its inception in 2013 by former food bank board member Jeanne McCusker, this initiative has made a remarkable contribution, supporting over 789,744 meals across the Blue Ridge region. This tradition not only impacts the organization but also fosters a spirit of giving and community awareness regarding regional hunger issues.
Decoding the Competition
- Winning Criteria: The competition is based on two factors—the most valuable cart contents and the public’s “votes,” which are garnered through food and monetary contributions.
- Public Participation: Kroger customers can participate by placing food items in contestants’ donation barrels or by donating online. These actions act as votes that contribute to the success of the participants and their chosen beneficiaries.
Kroger, alongside co-sponsor Weaver Insurance, will cover all the event’s costs and donate all the collected groceries directly to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Stars in the Show
- **Zanny Bandy** from Smoky Row Excavating
- **Connie Davis** of Central United Methodist Church
- **Priscilla (PJ) Piñeiro Jenkins** from the Staunton Public Defenders Office
- Staunton City Council member **Corrie Park**
- **Jim Simmons** of KK Homes Team of Long & Foster
Each competitor is a beacon of local involvement, showcasing the diversity and commitment present within the Staunton community.
The Scope and Mission of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Founded in 1981, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is a cornerstone in hunger relief for Western and Central Virginia. It operates through distribution centers strategically located in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester, and its headquarters in Verona. Currently, it serves an expansive area encompassing 25 counties and 8 cities.
As a leader in its field, the food bank continually strives to alleviate hunger, raising awareness and essential resources through campaigns like “Cart Away Hunger.”
How You Can Be a Part of This Movement
Donations are graciously accepted during the event, with additional online contributions welcomed through the dedicated donation portal.
Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger
Tomorrow, “Cart Away Hunger” invites you not just to witness a fierce and fun-filled competition but to actively participate in making our community a better place. Whether you’re attending in person or supporting from afar, your involvement helps clothe the broader mission of feeding those in need.
With celebrities leading by example and the community rallying together, achieving the end of hunger in the Blue Ridge region becomes more than a dream—it’s a collaborative goal within reach.
Source: https://augustafreepress.com/news/cart-away-hunger-local-celebrities-to-compete-in-kroger-fundraiser-for-food-bank/