Beginning last week and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 26, BI-LO Charities will once again be teaming up with members of the community to provide food donations for Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center (JCEC) to make the holidays a bit brighter for those in need.

“In August and September, we were completely empty. Food is going out the door as fast as it comes in. Senior citizens and even people who have had the same job for many years find themselves needing food assistance when they never have needed it before,” said JCFEC Executive Director Mandy Underwood.

When visiting any BI-LO store during the holiday, shoppers will have the opportunity to help put food on the table of families in their community by purchasing a bag full of groceries for only $5.

Every Hunger Relief Bag sold in BI-LO stores around Millen will be donated to JCFEC, which will distribute the groceries to local families in need. Each grocery bag, filled with essential, non-perishable food items that are often requested by food banks, includes Southern Home® tuna, macaroni and cheese, dry spaghetti, canned pasta sauce, cut green beans and chicken noodle soup. Each $5 Hunger Relief Bag contains enough food to feed one person at least three full meals.

“BI-LO Charities treasures the chance to team up with the members of this community. Through the Holiday Hunger Relief Program, we can truly make a difference and help supply JFEC with much-needed food, ensuring that no families go hungry over the holidays. When we all come together, even making a donation as small as $5 can make a huge impact,” said BI-LO Charities Executive Director Carol Browning.

Formed in 1998, BI-LO Charities, Inc. manages BI-LO’s extensive charitable giving programs, including the annual BILO Charity Classic golf tournament, which celebrated its 26- year anniversary in June 2009. Since its inception in 1983, the BI-LO Charity Classic has raised more than $48 million provide funding for non-profit organizations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that focus on three key initiatives: children’s issues, education and hunger relief. Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 214 supermarkets and employs approximately 15,500 people.