Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern part of the United States during late September 2024. With winds reaching up to 140 mph, the hurricane caused approximately 231 fatalities and $87.9 billion dollars in damage.  

Local grocers Food City, and Associated Food Stores (AFS) wanted to make a difference and help those impacted by the hurricane.  

Food City, a retail supermarket chain based in Abingdon, Virginia, had multiple stores impacted by Hurricane Helene, leaving many of their team members, families, friends, and neighbors in need of basic supplies and assistance with clean-up and recovery efforts. Conversations between Jonathan Badger, an independent grocer and member of AFS, and several members of AFS' executive team inspired them to take action and support the relief efforts. AFS, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, joined forces with Food City to create a plan. Kevin Stafford, vice president of marketing for Food City, connected AFS with the United Way of Southwest Virginia, and AFS launched a month-long fundraising campaign to support the relief efforts. 

Retailers Lee’s Market, Macey’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, Lin’s Market, Fresh Market, Peterson’s Market, D9 Grocery, Soleberg’s Market and the AFS team held a fundraiser through October for the United Way of Southwest Virginia to help with disaster recovery and basic-needs supplies. In total, donations from generous guests and team members totaled over $73,825.19. 

"We are incredibly thankful to Associated Food Stores, D9, Lee's Marketplace, Peterson's Market, Solberg’s Market and Associated Retail Operations for responding to the call for support for our neighbors who have experienced unimaginable loss throughout Southwest Virginia as a result of Hurricane Helene. These funds will allow United Way of Southwest Virginia to help families repair and rebuild their homes from the flooding over the next 24-36 months of long-term recovery,” said Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Virginia, Megan Parks.  

Badger feels independent grocers should band together whenever possible to help make our communities a better place to live. “The damage from Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking. I am so appreciative to all the team members and store teams that worked together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. When we work together, we can do great things.” 

ABOUT ASSOCIATED FOOD STORES 

Associated Food Stores is an independent retailer-owned warehouse based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which provides complete warehouse facilities and services to over 400 grocers throughout the Intermountain West. To learn more about Associated Food Stores or to find a retailer near you, visit www.afstores.com. 

ABOUT K-VA-T 

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 158 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.