Campus food pantry receives nearly $500 through Stop & Shop program

The Maria’s Place Food Pantry will receive nearly $500 in donations thanks to community support through the Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good and Community Bag programs during Fall and Winter 2025.

Maria’s Place Food Pantry supports Central students by providing access to free food and necessary toiletry items, helping address food insecurity on campus and reducing additional barriers to student success.

“As a college food pantry, Maria’s Place serves a unique population,” Courtney McDavid, special programs administrator and lead coordinator for Maria’s Place, said. “Our continued partnership with Stop & Shop strengthens our ability to meet the growing needs of our students and ensures that food insecurity doesn’t stand in the way of their success.”

Shoppers at participating Stop & Shop locations supported Maria’s Place by purchasing Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquets and reusable community bags. Through the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, $1 was donated to the food pantry for every $11.99 bouquet purchased, raising $359.48 in October and an additional $107 in December.

“Support from initiatives like Stop & Shop’s Bloomin’ 4 Good and Community Bag programs are great examples of how powerful community involvement can be and serve as a reminder that even small acts of generosity create meaningful impact,” McDavid said.

The Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program has supported more than 2,700 hunger organizations, donating nearly $5,000 to local communities this month.

 - Savanna Yelling '25