Grocery Outlet holds Independence From Hunger food drive

POCATELLO — Grocery Outlet has started its annual nationwide Independence From Hunger campaign where it raises food and money for people in need throughout the month of July.

Josh Pence, who operates the Pocatello Grocery Outlet location along with his wife, Shannon, said this is the 14th year the company has held Independence From Hunger.

“It allows operators to collect food and cash donations and all the donations are kept in the local community,” he said.

Independence From Hunger started as a way to combat food insecurity and hunger. More and more people are needing the services food pantries provide as the cost of living continues to increase.

“Millions of children and families face hunger and food insecurity,” Pence said. “With inflation on the rise, families have been turning to food banks.”

The event is held nationwide at every Grocery Outlet location, but each operator gets to choose where to send the donations in their individual communities. The Pocatello location will be sending their donations to two local food pantries.

“This year, we’re partnering with St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry and the Salvation Army’s food pantry,” Pence said.

Pence said he met with the operators of both food pantries and asked them what products they were in need of. Grocery Outlet filled bags with the products.

“Customers can purchase those bags or make a monetary donation for $5,” he said. “Every time you give $5, we give you $5 for a different purchase.”

Grocery Outlet was able to raise $7,900 last year. This year, they hope to raise $8,500. Pence said they plan to hold a couple of events in addition to the food drive to raise money.

Grocery Outlet will also hold a barbeque on July 20. At the event, people will get a pulled pork sandwich, bag of chips and a salad for a $5 donation.

“All the money will be donated to the food drive as well,” Pence said.

Pence said his favorite part about Independence From Hunger is that it is something that is kept local. He likes that the event is designed to benefit each community it is held in.

“This makes an impact on our community,” he said. “Even though it’s nationwide, we choose where we want the food and money to go.”

Grocery Outlet is located at 1732 Hurley Drive. More information about Independence From Hunger can be found on Grocery Outlet’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PocatelloGroceryOutlet/ .