$10,000 in Holiday Grocery Assistance for Local Families

More family meals, more time together, and a little extra room in the grocery budget. That's the goal of a $10,000 partnership between The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation and the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club to support local families this holiday season.

Fairfield PAL will distribute $10,000 in grocery gift cards during November and December, helping families stretch their grocery budgets and bring loved ones together around the dinner table.

Research has linked regular family meals to stronger family relationships, better communication, and positive outcomes for teens.

The assistance is especially meaningful for Fairfield PAL families, as more than 71% of teens served by the organization come from low-income households. PAL provides free, year-round recreation, mentoring, meals, career exploration, and educational opportunities for teens ages 13-18 in Fairfield, Suisun City, and Travis Air Force Base.

"When community partners come together to support families, we're also helping Fairfield PAL build the foundation it needs to fulfill its mission," said Joan Lovell of the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club. "By helping meet everyday needs, we make it possible for PAL to focus on creating opportunities for teens to learn, grow, and succeed."

The partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between Fairfield PAL and the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club. In addition to hosting monthly burrito dinners for PAL teens, Rotary supports young people through its Rotary Scholars Life After High School scholarship program.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation is building on that support with a grant to help the Fairfield PAL Teen Center supplement its food pantry. The grant funded grocery gift cards, expanding families' access to fresh food while creating opportunities for teens to help plan, shop for, and prepare family meals. The effort reflects the Foundation's mission to build healthy communities through food access and programs that help neighbors thrive.

"Fairfield PAL Teen Center gives young people opportunities to build confidence and contribute to their families," said Joan Dobias-Davis, board chairperson for The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation. "We're proud to support a program that helps teens take part in putting a meal on the table and experience the pride of caring for the people they love."

Together, The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation and Fairfield-Suisun Rotary are helping PAL go beyond after-school activities by connecting local families with resources that support household stability and teen success.