Jewel-Osco Launches Hunger Relief Grant Program

Local food pantries and soup kitchens eligible to apply
(MELROSE PARK, ILL) June 24, 2008- Jewel-Osco, a leading Midwest food and
drug retailer, announced the launch of its new Hunger Relief Grant Program to
help benefit local food pantry and soup kitchens across the company's service
areas in Illinois and Indiana. The $250,000 grant program was created in
partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), the Northern
Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana (FBNI)
"With the entire country feeling the economic impact, more and more
families are seeking help from local food pantries and soup kitchens," said
Keith Nielsen, president of Jewel-Osco. "That's why we're stepping up our
efforts with the America's Second Harvest food banks in our area to help meet
this need."
Qualified agencies can apply for grants of up to $2,500 designed to boost
their operational efficiency while simultaneously helping them take advantage
of existing resources through area food banks. The program also provides for a
food credit of up to $750 administered directly through the food banks.
Grant application forms will be available online through the web sites at
the GCFD, NIFB, and FBNI. The food banks will also mail the applications
directly to pantries that are current members. Agencies have until August 29th
to submit a completed grant request by mail. Grants are expected to be awarded
the first week in November.
"With higher energy costs and unemployment causing more people to need
emergency food assistance, our agency partners are struggling to provide
enough food to feed the number of families requesting help," said Kara Boyd,
board president of Northern Illinois Food Bank. "The Hunger Relief Grant will
provide them an opportunity to increase and improve service to people in need
of food. We are grateful for the continued support and commitment of
Jewel-Osco. They are a valuable partner in the fight against hunger."
"We are so grateful to Jewel-Osco for this terrific support of our network
of pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Cook County," said Todd Warnock,
board chair of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "Many of our member agency
partners are small, volunteer-run organizations. These grants will strengthen
the charitable food distribution network and help us meet the rising need in
our community."
"During these tough economic times our job of feeding the hungry becomes
increasingly difficult, especially for our member agencies that are on the
frontlines struggling to feed as many people as they can with often times
limited resources," said Angie Williams, executive director of the Food Bank
of Northwestern Indiana. "For these reasons, we are extremely grateful to
Jewel-Osco for their commitment to the fight against hunger in Northwest
Indiana. The Hunger-Relief Grant Program will provide much needed resources
to our member agencies, which will increase the amount of emergency food
assistance available to those in need."
For more information about the grant program, local pantries and soup
kitchens can look for the program details online or call their local food
bank.

Greater Chicago Food Depository..........773-247-3663
www.chicagosfoodbank.org

Northern Illinois Food Bank..............630-443-6910
www.northernilfoodbank.org

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana...........219-980-1777
www.foodbanknwi.org

About Jewel-Osco
Jewel-Osco, a SUPERVALU company, operates 183 stores in Illinois, Iowa and
Indiana. With a market-leading position in Chicago, Jewel-Osco stores offer
consumers the convenience of combined grocery and pharmacy retail, in addition
to services such as fuel centers at select locations. Originally established
in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities
they serve, contributing more than $4 million each year to a variety of local
charitable causes. For more information about Jewel-Osco, please visit
www.jewelosco.com or www.oscopharmacy.com.
About SUPERVALU INC.
SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States
grocery channel with estimated annual sales of $44 billion. SUPERVALU holds
leading market share positions across the U.S. with its approximately 2,475
retail grocery locations. Through SUPERVALU's nationwide supply chain network,
the company provides distribution and related logistics support services to
more than 5,000 grocery endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU currently has
approximately 192,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit
www.supervalu.com.
For additional information Contact:
Miguel Alba
Public Affairs Director
PH: 708-531-6895

SOURCE Jewel-Osco