Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program Advances Hunger Relief Programs in Recognition of Hunger Action Month

In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI), along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, is proud to announce a series of impactful initiatives aimed at ending the cycle of hunger in local communities. From a customer-driven campaign to funding key initiatives and collaborating with influential national organizations, the Foundation is deepening its commitment to food security at a time when millions of Americans face increasing challenges accessing nutritious food.

“With food insecurity on the rise, we’re doubling down on innovation, collaboration and empowering communities,” said Jennifer Saenz, Chief Commercial Officer at Albertsons Cos. and Board Chair of the Foundation. “Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that together, we can take meaningful action toward a future where no family goes hungry.”

Empowering Customers to Give Back

Throughout the month of September, the company’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program will be raising funds to support hunger relief efforts in local communities. Customers shopping at any Albertsons Cos. store, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME and Tom Thumb, will have the opportunity to donate at the register, with every dollar going directly back to local community programs that help families put food on the table. More than 100 local food banks, food pantries and other community organizations will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants funded by customer donations to support neighbors in need.

Innovation Spark Grants

This month, the Foundation is also announcing the first five recipients of this year’s Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Spark Grants, with more to follow. Now in its third year, these grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that develop new programs designed to create long-term solutions and empower individuals and families to achieve lasting food security.

These grants, ranging from nearly $200,000 to $900,000, are part of the Foundation’s annual $10 million commitment to ending the cycle of hunger through various initiatives. The initial recipients of the 2025 Innovation Spark Grants include:

• NeighborShare: Awarded a $900,000 grant to provide rapid and flexible financial assistance to Massachusetts families in crisis through a technology-enabled platform that connects donors directly with urgent community needs.
• Food Research & Action Center: Awarded a $600,000 grant to strengthen state-level implementation of SNAP Employment and Training programs, aiming to bridge the gap between food insecurity and workforce development through enhanced access and support.
• National Health Foundation (Los Angeles): Awarded a $600,000 grant to engage youth with lived experience of food insecurity in researching, designing and advocating for systemic, community-informed solutions.
• FareStart (Seattle): Awarded a $290,000 grant to launch an externship program in partnership with Safeway and Albertsons to provide job training and inclusive workplace support for individuals working to overcome poverty.
• 4MyCiTy (Maryland): Awarded a $193,500 grant to support the expansion of food access through a mobile app that enables delivery of rescued food and generates income opportunities for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“Over the past two years, the Innovation Spark Grants have fueled bold ideas aimed at reshaping the hunger relief landscape with $18 million total in funding,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of the Albertsons Companies Foundation. “This year, we’re expanding our approach to ensure that organizations of all sizes, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale programs, have a chance to bring their ideas to life. Every spark has the potential to ignite lasting change, and we’re excited to support even more visionary nonprofits in the journey ahead.”

Past recipients of the Innovation Spark Grants include Hunger Free America, The North Texas Food Bank, Alpenglow Impact’s Gift Card Bank, Share Our Strength, United Way Bay Area and FIND Food Bank.