Foodlink, Wegmans Launch Annual Check Out Hunger Campaign

Rochester, NY — Foodlink and Wegmans are encouraging shoppers to give back through the annual Check Out Hunger campaign, which launched today at 21 local stores. Customers can donate $1, $2, $3, $5, or any amount at checkout with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Foodlink, which serves as the sole food bank for a 10-county area in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The campaign runs Oct. 21 through Nov. 28, and is offered to shoppers at both the traditional cashier lines, and through self-checkout.

“Year after year, our customers and employees demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to helping their neighbors in need,” said Deana Percassi, Wegmans Vice President of Community Engagement and Communications. “Their generosity through our Check Out Hunger campaign has helped raise millions of dollars for our local food banks, and every contribution helps ensure more individuals and families have access to the food they need.”

According to Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap report, more than 155,000 people in Foodlink’s service area experience food insecurity, which means they lack adequate and consistent access to enough healthy food. Foodlink’s network of food pantries and meal programs have reported a steady rise in requests for food assistance throughout the year. According to the latest data available, visits to local food pantries reached an all-time high in August.

“Wegmans’ Check Out Hunger campaign is another reminder that small contributions can add up to make an impact on our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. “Economic challenges such as soaring gas prices have forced many of our neighbors to rely on the emergency food system for the first time. Every small-but-critical donation helps us meet the need as we enter a busy holiday season.”

Last year’s Check Out Hunger campaign resulted in an $820,000 donation, which equates to more than 2.4 million meals for our region, and the highest total in the event’s history.

Wegmans has a long history of supporting many local food banks through daily food donations and annual scan campaigns. In 2025, Wegmans donated 36.8 million pounds of food, and its customers contributed more than $4.7 million through the company’s annual scan campaigns.