Grocery Outlet's annual Independence From Hunger campaign is underway in Dixon, allowing residents to support local food assistance programs through July 31. Store owners Joe and Christa Bruch said every dollar raised remains in the community, benefiting Dixon Family Services and the Ram's Vault at Dixon High School. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Grocery Outlet's annual Independence From Hunger campaign is underway in Dixon, allowing residents to support local food assistance programs through donations made at the checkout counter through July 31.

Customers shopping at Dixon Grocery Outlet can purchase pre-packed $10 donation bags filled with food or make a monetary contribution at checkout. Store owners Joe and Christa Bruch said every dollar raised remains in the community, benefiting Dixon Family Services and the Ram’s Vault at Dixon High School.

The campaign, held annually at Grocery Outlet stores nationwide, is designed to address food insecurity during the summer months, when many children no longer have access to free or reduced-price school meals.

“It's important because during the summer months, a lot of people, especially kids, go without having lunch, so this is a campaign to ensure food security for the community,” said Joe Bruch.

He said the Dixon store has participated in the campaign since opening six years ago.

“We've been doing it since our inception, so we've been doing it for six years,” said Bruch.

This year's campaign supports two organizations that provide food assistance to residents. Dixon Family Services serves families throughout the community, while the Ram's Vault helps Dixon High School students experiencing food insecurity.

“This year, we're supporting the Ram's Vault and Dixon Family Services,” said Bruch. “Every dollar we raise stays in the community. Both those organizations are critical for Dixon.”

Bruch also credited Dixon High School Principal Angela Brown with establishing the Ram's Vault.

“Principal Brown bringing the Ram's Vault to Dixon is innovative and has gotten a lot of great feedback,” he said.

According to the Bruchs, their decision to prioritize the fundraiser stems from seeing the work both organizations perform throughout the year.

“Seeing what Dixon Family Services and the Ram's Vault does in the community, that's what inspired us to help support them,” said Bruch.

Since the campaign began in late June, the store has raised about $1,200 toward its $3,000 goal.

“We're at $1,200. Our goal is $3,000,” said Bruch.

In addition to supporting local food programs, customers who make a qualifying donation also receive an incentive for a future shopping trip.

“The benefit for the customer is that if they give a $5 donation, they get a $5 coupon for a future visit,” Bruch said.

While shoppers may donate food through the pre-packed bags, the Bruchs said monetary donations are especially valuable because they give recipient organizations flexibility to purchase items as needs arise.

“Just more cash donations,” said Bruch when asked what is needed most. “I think that directly helps both organizations and they can spend that as they need.”

Store employees also play a key role in the campaign by encouraging customers to participate at the registers.

“They're our main source of donation at the check stands,” said Bruch. “Our cashiers are doing a great job.”

The Bruchs said community support has remained strong throughout this year's campaign. One shopper recently purchased 10 donation bags without being asked.

“We had one customer come in and buy 10 food bags without being solicited,” said Bruch. “Dixon's always been good at supporting Dixon and giving back.”

Christa Bruch said the campaign offers residents an opportunity to directly support neighbors in need.

“It's a win-win,” she said. “One hundred percent of the donations go back to the community. As local as you can get.”

She added that the store is also seeking community sponsors interested in helping the campaign reach its fundraising goal before it concludes July 31.

For more information, visit groceryoutlet.com/donate or call 707-676-5556.