Sheetz has announced the Kidz Meal Bagz is ending June 5 after serving almost 60,000 free meals to children and families in need. This program began on April 2 to try and help those impacted by the pandemic. These meals included a turkey sandwich, chips, and a drink. Families can get one bag per child.
"I'm so proud of our employees who truly stepped up to make the Meal Bagz program happen," said Travis Sheetz, president and chief operating officer of Sheetz, in a company press release. "Their dedication to help the communities we serve made a real impact, providing over 600,000 meals to those in need."
The brand's fight against hunger, however, isn't going to end with the program going away thanks to the employee-driven charity Sheetz For The Kidz. At the end of May, the program had donated $620,000 to Feeding America.
"Despite this positive impact, we know the need doesn't go away," Sheetz added in the same news release. "We will continue our mission to provide hunger relief through additional initiatives such as our Made-to-Share program and weekly food donations, current Feeding America donation match campaign, and Sheetz For the Kidz's support of Feeding America."
Sheetz is going to continue raising money for Feeding America through the MySheetz App. Now through June 30, the brand is going to donate $1 to Feeding America for every 200 points a customer donates. It will match donations of up to $100,000.
Sheetz is also working to help keep its employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. It has reinforced proper hand washing and hygiene procedures and actively asking employees to stay home if they are sick. The brand is also giving anyone who has the virus or is subject to quarantine due to exposure to the virus two weeks paid time off.
"Respect is at the core of Sheetz DNA and it is that respect for our ecosystem of employees, customers, and communities that is driving our efforts during this difficult time," Sheetz said on the company's website. "As you well know, Sheetz team members weather some pretty big storms, but these are unchartered waters for all of us. While we are driven to remain open and available to you, we will not jeopardize anyone's health or safety in that effort and must follow the direction of local, state, and federal health agencies and officials. As a last resort, some stores could close."