STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — On Thursday, March 27, 2025, local community leaders, their cheerleaders, and Kroger representatives came together at the “Shop to Stop Hunger” charity supermarket sweep to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Hosted at Kroger, located in Staunton, contributions from the event raised a total of $15,474 and 1229 pounds of food and funds, totaling 47,446 meals, helping to fill the Food Bank’s shelves and raise awareness of food insecurity across the Blue Ridge region.

During the high-energy 60-second sweep, participants raced down the aisles, filling their carts in a bid to claim the most valuable haul. Jim Simmons emerged as the Grand Champion, winning the coveted “Cart Away Hunger” trophy for the most total donations raised.

More award winners were:

Rainmaker:                Jim Simmons

Heavyweight:             Connie Davis

Hermes:                     Jim Simmons

Spirit:                         a tie: PJ Jenkins and Corrie Park

The event drew an impressive lineup of participants, including:

· Zanny Bandy (Smoky Row Excavating. Unfortunately, Zanny took ill so Jenna Dull of the Food Bank was her substitute runner)

· Connie Davis (Central United Methodist Church food pantry)

· Priscilla (PJ) Piñeiro Jenkins (Staunton Public Defenders Office)

· Corrie Park (Made: By the People, For the People; Stuart Hall School; City of Staunton Council)

· Jim Simmons (KK Homes Team of Long & Foster)

“Thursday’s event is a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve when we come together,” said Michael McKee, CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in a press release. “The food and donations raised will provide much-needed meals and hope to families facing food insecurity across our region. We are incredibly grateful to Kroger, Weaver Insurance, and all who participated in making this event a success.”

Since its inception in 2013, Shop to Stop Hunger has provided more than 821,677 meals to individuals and families across the Blue Ridge region. This year’s event alone will help provide 47,446 meals, with additional donations still being collected.

Community members can continue to support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s hunger-relief efforts by donating online at https://give.brafb.org/STSHstaunton2025. Every $1 donated helps provide more than three meals.