Lilly Dodson proudly shows one of the pre-made Grocery Outlet donation bags. Photo by Dennis Talley

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Grocery Outlet of North Highlands and two local Lions Clubs are dedicating an entire month to giving back to their community and fighting hunger, but the effects will reach far beyond North Highlands.

July is when Grocery Outlet’s 14th annual "Independence from Hunger" food drive campaign happens. Through July 31, the “extreme-value” grocery retailer will urge and encourage customers to participate, who will be rewarded for doing so. All Grocery Outlet locations are participating and will donate to their community food organizations.

 Consider supporting your community by stopping by a Grocery Outlet and donating food. Photo by Dennis Talley

This year, Grocery Outlet of North Highlands has teamed up with both the Rio Linda Lions Club and the Sacramento Antelope Lions Club, which will be involved with celebrity bagging and collecting food and cash donations in-store and online.

Throughout the month, Lions Club members are interacting with the public and talking to them about the many ways in which they can help the food drive be successful. They will be able to reach out to more of the community’s needs and quickly facilitate distribution, according to the Rio Linda Lions Club members.

Purchased donations of food are going out daily to surrounding local groups in need, food closets, schools, local churches, libraries and more. More than 70 bags went to the North Highlands Library and the Rio Linda Library last Saturday, according to North Highlands Grocery Outlet store owner and operator Dennis Talley.

 Lilly Dodson, granddaughter of Dennis Talley, is ready to make a difference. Photo by Dennis Talley

"We are looking to double last year’s goal of $12,000 to a hopeful $25,000," said Talley when asked what he hopes to accomplish this year.

Talley’s passion for serving his community is evident, as he continues to set goals for his fundraisers and beat them, setting them higher every year.

“Last year, during our November food drive, we fed 275 families Thanksgiving dinner,” Talley said. “And this year, I want to make it 500.”

“This food drive is close to my heart because I came from food insecurity. I know what it’s like to be hungry. We aren’t just trying to get people to come buy stuff from our store; we want to spread love in the community and give back,” Talley added.

Adding to that sentiment, Eric Lindberg, Grocery Outlet board chairman, said, "For over 78 years, Grocery Outlet has committed to giving back to the local community organizations and Independence from Hunger is an integral part of that commitment. Our customers and communities alike are the foundation of our success. We feel it's important to continue supporting these communities in every way possible, especially in their time of greatest need.”

In addition to the month-long food drive, there will be fun activities for all. The first weekend of July 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the North Highlands Grocery Outlet will host a parking lot party featuring prizes, free hot dogs, a snow cone truck, sponsorships by Red Bull and Bimbo Bakery, along with radio stations, TV personalities, local organizations and awareness groups.

The last weekend of July 27 and 28 will feature another parking lot event, where Talley promises to “create a fun atmosphere.”  

When asked why the community should participate, Rio Linda Lions Club President Gene Kypke said, “Money is tighter everywhere. More and more families can’t afford filling, healthy meals. It’s tougher for people to survive. We are trying to feed local people that are hungry and as many of them as possible.”

Talley added, “You become part of the community and you begin to understand the needs of people around you. We have to raise the community up. That’s what we do as Lions and as Grocery Outlet. We lift people up.”

How It Works

Give $5, get $5. Purchase $5 or more in a single transaction in-store or online and you will receive a coupon for $5 off a future purchase of $25 or more (same day is OK).

Purchase a pre-made bag that is already filled with an assortment of groceries selected by Grocery Outlet and place it in the collection bin at the front of the store.

Donate cash at checkout. Tell your cashier the amount you wish to donate at the register. Donations will go directly to that local food agency’s partners.

 Lions Club members and company have been working tirelessly to plan the Independence from Hunger food drive. Photo by Dennis Talley