Little Neck Shoppers Raise $985 to Help Feed Hungry

Stop & Shop supermarket announced today that customers who patronized the company's helped raise $985 through its annual Food for Friends program last year.

The money was donated to the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Center in Little Neck to help provide hunger relief to area residents.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our customers and associates for Food for Friends,” said Arlene Putterman, a spokesperson for Stop & Shop. “Even a tough economy could not dampen the spirit of giving that exists with the associates and customers in our communities.”

According to Putterman, the Stop & Shop in Little Neck exceeded the amount raised in 2009 by 40 percent.

Companywide, Stop & Shop set a new record in 2010, raising over $2 million. 60 percent of the funds went directly to hundreds of local food pantries, with 40 percent allocated to regional food banks.

The Food for Friends program ran in all 392 Stop & Shop stores from Oct. 29 through Dec. 10, with customers donating $1, $3 or $5 paper turkeys.

Customer contributions accounted for 90 percent of the $2 million, according to Stop & Shop.

Stop & Shop is located at 249-26 Northern Blvd. in Little Neck. For more info, visit www.stopandshop.com.