NEW YORK -- The food industry continues its display of support for victims of the terrorist attacks here, in Washington and in Pennsylvania, as donations keep pouring in for relief efforts.
aid, "We are absolutely overwhelmed by the level of support our stores, division offices and distribution centers have received from our customers and associates. Our customers and associates have stepped up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park for our nation's disaster relief efforts."
Ahold USA, Chantilly, Va., has raised more than $5 million in donations throughout its operating companies via its "American Heroes" fund. Part of the money raised is a $1 million donation made by Ahold USA.
Bill Grize, Ahold USA president and CEO, said, "We are very proud of our operating companies. They have clearly demonstrated great generosity and an eagerness to support the relief efforts."
Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester, N.Y., raised more than $1 million at its stores, as well as donated food and other items, for rescue workers and Red Cross volunteers.
Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh, which will be accepting customer donations for the Red Cross through the end of the month, has already collected $544,000.
Laura Karet, senior vice president of marketing for the company, said, "Our customers expressed a desire to reach out, and have responded with incredible generosity." Karet also said that Giant Eagle has other charitable donation efforts planned for the Red Cross in November.
Fleming, Dallas, through its retail operations Rainbow Foods, Food4Less and Yes!Less, raised $400,000 through customer and corporate matching donations. Fleming also supported relief efforts with in-kind donations of product.
Mark Hansen, chairman and CEO, said, "Whether the individual contributions were large or small, they are all important. I thank each of you for stepping forward and taking action to help."
The food manufacturing and packaging industry also made major contributions to relief efforts. All told, the consumer packaged goods industry has donated more than $80 million thus far.
Major contributors include: Anheuser-Busch, Agrilink Foods, Cadbury Schweppes, Cocoa-Cola, Coors Brewing Co., Del Monte, General Mills, H.J. Heinz, Lance Foods, Nestle, Pepsico, Perrier and Unilever.
