Delaware governor bags groceries for hunger

As communities face challenges to feed the needy and food banks struggle to keep shelves stocked, Gov. Jack Markell, D-Del., made his way to Shoprite of Four Seasons in Newark to help raise awareness about the issue of hunger.

Throughout the year, ShopRite Partners In Caring, a community based charity, encourages people to donate money or take action some other way by helping with initiatives to fight hunger. On Wednesday, Gov. Markell declared September 18th as “ShopRite Partners In Caring Day” and even switched roles to bag groceries at the store too.

“I enjoyed it because the people at ShopRite are so nice and the customers at ShopRite are so nice so it was a lot of fun. This brings me back to my roots I started my work career at a Friendly’s Restaurant and women’s clothing store so I’ve done these kinds of jobs before,” said Markell.

According to Chris Kenny, the owner of the ShopRite of Four Seasons, the vsit from the governor was well received especially since September is National Hunger Action Month.

“We understand being in the food business where people need sustenance and support and really feeding their families on a day to day basis so we try to do whatever we can to support the food bank and other food pantries that are helping to meet that need which we know is growing in these difficult economic times,” said Kenny.

“ShopRite Partners In Caring” has donated $30 million to local food banks since it started in 1999, supporting more than 1,700 charities in the northeast region.