Grocery Outlet, Republic Services and the Sunrise Food Closet are working together in Grocery Outlet’s 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive campaign. The food drive runs through July at Grocery Outlet, 6059 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights.


CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet has officially kicked off its 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive campaign.

Grocery Outlet is at 6059 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights.

The campaign teams up with the Sunrise Food Closet, also known as the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry (SCFM), to collect food and cash donations in-store. Approximately 200 families are served per day.

For nearly 80 years, Grocery Outlet has been committed to giving back to local community organizations and the Independence from Hunger campaign has been an important part of that commitment.

The third component of this partnership, Republic Services, has offered to cover the cost of Sunrise Christian Ministry’s monthly service, saving the ministry $700 a month. In 2024, Republic donated 100 turkeys for the Thanksgiving turkey give way.

Sunrise Food Closet and Republic Services partner with Grocery Outlet at 6059 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights to help collect food and cash donations that serve about 200 families a day during the 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive campaign.

Each year, the drive runs through July. Both corporate and community fundraising matches are a fun way for all to be an important part of this campaign. Future Honda has contributed $1,000 and Sunrise Marketplace has brought forth $500.

Local homelessness advocate, Alfred Sanchez, also known as “Snack Man,” describes how important these organizations are for him to keep nonperishable food in the hands of the unhoused.

Grocery Outlet is his favorite place to visit and investigate prices for future shopping, Sanchez said. He often looks for items such as “pop up” fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as snacks and other items. The walk-up clientele increased from an average of 10 to 15 people a day to 20 to 30 people a day.

Food Closet distribution days last from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There are additional distribution hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Registration for all days closes when daily capacity is reached.

Volunteers fill a local family's car with food.

It is important that these organizations join each year to combat food insecurity and support families in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, according to Sunrise Food Director April Jacek. Jacek said that her organization is being considered for a handful of grants to help benefit those in need.

“(It) would increase our capacity to serve more homeless and offer delivery service to more homebound seniors and the disabled through a partnership with 211 and California Northstate University Service Learning course for their undergraduate program, including the first cohort of nursing students,” said Jacek. “The students would make deliveries and offer well checks at the same time.”

Grocery Outlet customers can make a difference by visiting www.groceryoutlet.com/donate.

To get involved or learn more about the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, email [email protected].