Cub Foods

Teaming Up to Combat Hunger – During The Holidays and Every Day

Provided by Cub Foods

December 15, 2025 at 10:01PM

During a season marked with iconic meals and family gatherings, it can be easy to forget that food insecurity is a fact of life for thousands of Minnesotans. Fortunately, there are many organizations that remember. With the support of businesses and individual donations, these groups have made providing nutritious food to those in need their driving mission.

As one of the region’s leading grocery stores, Stillwater-based Cub Foods knows something about feeding the community. Supporting the many excellent non-profits that focus on providing food assistance is a natural extension of its mission – and one of the ways Cub lives out its commitment to being a good neighbor.

“At Cub, we believe in strengthening the communities we call home,” said David Best, President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail for UNFI, Cub’s parent company. “Supporting our friends and neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season, is a part of who we are.”

Given its presence in many communities and access to food resources, Cub has been especially active in both its own contributions and using its stores as a place to engage and encourage community members to give as well.

Organizations Rally to Respond to Need Across Minnesota

The everyday challenges faced by many families were compounded in the fall of 2025 when SNAP benefits were cut. These benefits, commonly known as food stamps, are a lifeline for many families and help stretch family meal budgets. To help alleviate the pressure, Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank ramped up its efforts to provide food and resources.

Cub answered the call, donating $50,000 and in-kind donations of more than 47,000 pounds of food. Additionally, Cub is offering $5 and $10 donation bags at checkout in its stores so customers can support Second Harvest Heartland and its local affiliate food banks.

Smaller food banks also play a critical role and have connections in their individual communities that allow them to support many who otherwise might not know where to turn. Through its Food Rescue program, which partners with more than 50 Minnesota-area community food banks and pantries, Cub is donating approximately 1.5 million pounds of food to Minnesota families in need.

Cub, along with other community partners like Blaze Credit Union, kicked off the 2025 Salvation Army Red Kettle season.

A Special Effort for a Special Season

Recognizing that need during the holiday season is especially high, many organizations put forth an extra effort to collect and distribute food and resources to help families find a meal. Cub has built relationships with several groups and contributes alongside customers and others. Several that community members can learn about and donate to include:

  • The Salvation Army, which gathers donations for those facing food insecurity. The groups’ famous red kettles will be at Cub stores this holiday season, and Cub will match donations up to $25,000.
    • Community Thread, a nonprofit organization supporting disadvantaged Minnesota families. Its Holiday Hope program offers holiday meals and assistance to those experiencing financial hardship in central Washington County. Cub is donating $10,000 in Cub gift cards towards the effort.
      • Folds of Honor, which supports the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members. In partnership with Anheuser-Busch, Cub Wine & Spirits/Cub Liquor shoppers can make donations at checkout, which Cub will match up to $10,000.

        Additionally, Cub raises money through Holiday Bucks, which customers can donate at checkout during November and December. These are used to purchase holiday meals, turkeys and hams for local families in need.

        Cub also is donating more than 4,000 turkeys and holiday meals which will be distributed by charitable partners including Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank, Bolder Options, Tubman, The Camden Promise, Reflections, M Health Fairview Health Hub, Ronald McDonald House, HopeKids and local food banks.

        Making Food Security a Year-Round Goal

        Of course, food insecurity isn’t limited to the holidays. While these contributions by Cub, which total some $200,000, are most visible during this season, hunger is a year round challenge. That’s why Cub also works with community partners 365 days a year to help families have enough to eat, and encourages its customers, employees and neighbors to join them.

        “We are grateful for the generosity of our customers and team members who continue to support our non-profit partners and positively impact our communities,” said Best. “We look forward to continuing our commitment to building stronger communities year-round.”