BJ’s Charitable Foundation Donates nearly $1.7 Million to 265 Charitable Organizations Focusing on Hunger Prevention, Education, Self-sufficiency and Health Care

Bradenton, Fla. – (March 7, 2013) – BJ’s Charitable Foundation announced a donation of $1,689,150 to 265 nonprofit organizations in the 15 states where BJ’s Wholesale Clubs are located. The donated funds will be dispersed to organizations that focus in four areas: hunger prevention, education, self-sufficiency and healthcare.

Hunger Prevention

According to Feeding America, one in six people in the US struggle with hunger.  BJ’s Charitable Foundation will donate $557,500 to 71 organizations with programs to help prevent and alleviate hunger. The grants will help shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries purchase and distribute food to those suffering from hunger.

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc., Bradenton, FL - $15,000 to support the Baby Basket Program, giving essential infant nutritional items to new parents.

“The goal of BJ’s Charitable Foundation is to create a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities in which BJ’s serves” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director for the BJ’s Charitable Foundation. “Giving back is in the DNA of BJ’s Wholesale Club, and the donations from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation will impact tens of thousands of individuals and families, resulting in a better community for us all.”

Since its inception in 2005, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation has donated nearly $16 million to over 1,800 community organizations. The noted organizations receiving grants from BJ’s Charitable Foundation submitted proposals in January, April and July of 2012. All recipients are 501(c)3 charitable organizations that support services in the regions where BJ’s Wholesale Clubs are located.