Albertsons Companies, Inc., in collaboration with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, has announced the launch of the Million Hour Volunteer Rally. This initiative invites customers, associates, and partners to collectively contribute one million volunteer hours to support local nonprofits and neighbors in need.
The Million Hour Volunteer Rally is part of Albertsons’ Nourishing Neighbors charitable program, which aims to combat hunger and improve food security across the United States. From now until October 31, participants can volunteer their time and skills to various nonprofit organizations and log their hours for a chance to win exciting prizes. The grand prize includes free groceries for a year and a $5,000 donation to a local hunger relief nonprofit. Additionally, ten runners-up will receive $500 in groceries and a $500 donation to a local hunger-focused charity.
“In the span of just two years, from 2022 to 2023, there has been a troubling 30 percent rise in food insecurity, while the rate of formal volunteering has decreased by seven percent,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of Albertsons Companies Foundation. “As long-standing community partners dedicated to fighting hunger, we recognized this critical shortage of volunteers faced by numerous food banks and pantries and took action. We’re proud to invite our local communities to join the Million Hour Volunteer Rally and donate their time and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those who face hunger every day.”
Participants can find volunteer opportunities and log their hours through the Albertsons Companies Foundation’s website. The initiative aims to address the critical shortage of volunteers that many food banks and pantries are currently facing.
“Our food bank provides nearly one million meals worth of food every week to a community in which one in four people experience some level of hunger,” said Regi Young, Executive Director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “The only way we’re able to accomplish as much as we do is with the contributions of a passionate and hard-working corps of volunteers who help us prepare much of that food for the community. Efforts like the Million Hour Volunteer Rally are truly invaluable to this work.”
Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Million Hour Volunteer Rally represents a significant effort to mobilize communities and provide much-needed support to local nonprofits and neighbors in need. By encouraging widespread participation, the initiative hopes to make a substantial impact on food security and volunteerism across the country.