Company : Jewel-Osco
Program category : 2017

Origins:

Hunger relief is a priority at Jewel-Osco, especially during the holidays. Holiday Bucks is a program that began in 2008 and raises money to purchase turkey/ham dinners for local families in need. Customers participate in Holiday Bucks by donating $1, $5 or $10 at the register in all 187 Jewel-Osco locations and that in turn allows for a dinner, which includes sides, to be distributed to our Community Partners. Each dinner is valued at $40

Contribution:

Jewel-Osco has long held the belief that community involvement is pertinent to being a good neighbor and producing a stronger company. The number of Community Partners involved with Holiday Bucks has grown substantially since the program began in 2008, and it underscores our commitment to helping the local food banks and food pantries.

Objectives:

Hunger relief is a priority at Jewel-Osco. Holiday Bucks allows for individuals who may not otherwise have a meal on the holiday to not go hungry. The goal is always to increase the number of meals purchased and that has been the case since 2008.

Impact:

In 2015, customers donated $1.479 million to 163 Community Partners. In 2016 that figure increased to $1.494 million. The impact is substantial and continues to grow each year.

Quote:

Jewel-Osco is committed to hunger relief and has been since 1899. Our customers, time and time again, continue to show their kindness and generosity by donating to Holiday Bucks and we are forever grateful for their commitment to Jewel-Osco and individuals in need. Doug Cygan, President Jewel-Osco. 

Support Statement:

“It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak about our local Jewel Osco store and what a great impact it has in our community. First and foremost, it is wonderful to have a local grocery chain the caliber of Jewel so close by. Their convenient late night and early morning hours are lifesavers to many of our staff who need to make a last minute “milk, butter, eggs” trip to the store. Their variety and how they anticipate the needs of our specific community continues to amaze us. They are wonderfully generous to our efforts at Mooseheart by providing Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday meals for all our children and staff. They also offer time for our students to come and interact with their staff. They have always been tremendously helpful and supportive in other areas of need when possible. Our Jewel makes us hometown proud!” Gary Urwiler, Executive Director of Mooseheart Child City and School.