Food Link, an Arlington-based organization that rescues fresh food and contributes to environmental sustainability, has received $60,000 in program support from Kohl’s to support its work to collect surplus food from distributors and deliver it to organizations serving those who face food insecurity.

Food insecurity has grown dramatically in Massachusetts in 2020 because of the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic with more than 1 million residents in need of food. 

“We are so honored to be selected by Kohl's Cares to be the recipient of this very special gift," DeAnne Dupont, Food Link executive director, said in a Dec. 7 news release. "Kohl's Cares’ overwhelming generosity will enable Food Link to collect more nutritious, fresh food and deliver it to communities in eastern Massachusetts that are suffering greatly from food insecurity, including Lawrence, Lowell, Revere, and Chelsea.  Kohl's ‘A Community with Heart Program’ is true to its name.”

Kohl’s grant to Food Link was made through Kohl’s "Community with Heart Program." In the spirit of giving with all of its heart this holiday season, Kohl’s, through its program, is donarting $5 million in grants to selected nonprofit organizations across the country, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to family health and wellness. Kohl’s store teams and leaders across the country identified and nominated nonprofit recipients from 49 states that are near and dear to their hearts. The full list of selected grant recipients is available at Corporate.Kohls.com.

The donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic merchandise program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations across the country that improve the health and wellness of families. To learn more about how Kohl’s gives back to communities nationwide, visit Corporate.Kohls.com. 

Food Link is a critical arm in the effort to offset food insecurity. Volunteers disperse to facilities throughout the region on a daily basis, rescuing foods such as fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs, and meats. These fresh foods are distributed to community organizations that help alleviate food insecurity. Many of the groups Food Link partners with serve low-income children and families, at-risk youth, seniors, veterans, the homeless, and other vulnerable populations that don’t have regular access to healthy food. Food Link couples it’s dedication to alleviating food insecurity with its commitment to the environment by keeping fresh food out of the waste system—a cornerstone of protecting our planet. See www.foodlinkma.org.

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. Since its founding, Kohl's has given more than $750 million to support communities nationwide, with a focus on family health and wellness. 

This news announcement was published Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.