MODESTO, Calif. – November 2, 2026 – The Save Mart Companies, one of the West Coast’s largest regional, full-service grocery chains, today announced the return of its annual Friends Feeding Friends holiday food drive in partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper. Running now through January 3, 2027, at all Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores across California and Western Nevada, the campaign invites shoppers to support local food banks at checkout. Building on last year’s campaign, which raised more than $650,000 through customer donations and corporate contributions, The Save Mart Companies and Keurig Dr Pepper have once again committed a combined $120,000 in direct support.
“Friends Feeding Friends reflects the generosity of our customers, and last year’s response showed just how much we can accomplish when customers and partners rally behind a shared cause,” said Jim Thatcher, senior vice president of retail operations, The Save Mart Companies. “With food insecurity affecting families in the communities we serve, we’re setting our sights even higher this year, and we’re inviting every shopper to help us get there. A single $5 Pantry Pack can help provide at least 15 meals to neighbors in need.”
Supporting the campaign is simple: shoppers can contribute $5 or $10 through Pantry Pack donations at checkout in any Save Mart, Lucky, or FoodMaxx store. One hundred percent of customer donations will benefit local food banks across California and Western Nevada, helping provide essential food assistance to families in need. In addition to customer giving, The Save Mart Companies and Keurig Dr Pepper will each contribute $1,000 daily for 60 days, adding a combined $120,000 in direct support. All gifts stay close to home: donations raised in Modesto feed Modesto families, Sacramento gifts support Sacramento neighbors, and the same holds true in every community where the campaign runs.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Save Mart Companies through Friends Feeding Friends and help address food insecurity during the holiday season,” said Taylor Marcus, senior vice president and BUGM, west business unit, Keurig Dr. Pepper. “Local food banks play a critical role in ensuring individuals and families have access to nutritious food, and we’re pleased to contribute to their efforts while encouraging shoppers to make a difference through this annual campaign.”
The first round of donations will be distributed in mid-December, so families have support before the holidays. A second round will follow in early 2027 to bridge what is often a difficult winter stretch for many households.
“With demand for food assistance at an all-time high, community support like this matters more than ever,” said Blake Young, president and CEO, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “Because of Friends Feeding Friends, more families in our community will be able to put food on the table this holiday season and into the new year. We’re so grateful to The Save Mart Companies, Keurig Dr Pepper and their customers for their generous support of our neighbors facing hunger.”
An online giving option is also being added to the Friends Feeding Friends pages on the Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx websites, with details to follow.
For more information on The Save Mart Companies’ philanthropic initiatives, please visit https://www.thesavemartcompanies.com/community. For digital Friends Feeding Friends assets and branding visit this Dropbox link. Friends Feeding Friends landing pages for each banner can be found here: Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx.
About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies operates nearly 200 stores in neighborhoods across California, Western Nevada, Oregon, and Washington under the Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, and Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Market banners. Proud to be one of the West Coast’s largest regional, full-service grocery chains, the Company and its over 10,000 associates take extra care to provide customers with the freshest food for their families at affordable prices. The Save Mart Companies’ philanthropic non-profit organization, The CARES Foundation, provides vital resources for children and families and has donated over $6 million to local communities. For more information on The Save Mart Companies, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com
# # #
Media Contacts: The Save Mart Companies: TSMCPR@glodownead.com