Foodlink Launches 20th Food for Families Campaign
Tops shoppers can donate through Little Brown Bags of Hope as food pantry demand reaches record levels.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Foodlink launched its 20th annual Food for Families campaign with Tops Friendly Markets and News 8, with the start date moved up one week from November 8 because of SNAP benefit losses. Tops shoppers can buy a Little Brown Bag of Hope at regional Tops locations for $5, $10, or $20.
Why it matters
Foodlink's food pantries saw the most traffic on record in August and September, and at least 4,000 Monroe County SNAP recipients are turning to other sources for food. The drive is a direct response to rising demand in Rochester and the surrounding county.
Foodlink pantries recorded record traffic in August and September, and the campaign estimates it will bring in 100,000 pounds of food with community support. The final total will depend on how many Tops shoppers purchase Little Brown Bags of Hope during the drive.
The players
Foodlink
Foodlink is a Rochester-area food bank that works with about 400 nonprofits to distribute food throughout the year.
Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets is a regional grocery chain that hosts Little Brown Bag of Hope sales at its stores across Western New York.
News 8
News 8 is a Rochester television station that co-sponsors the Food for Families campaign and hosts an on-site food drive.
The details
Tops shoppers can purchase a Little Brown Bag of Hope at any regional Tops location for $5, $10, or $20, and each bag is filled with grocery essentials that go to Foodlink. Foodlink works with about 400 nonprofits throughout the year to distribute food across the region.
Timeline
August and September: Foodlink pantries recorded record traffic.
November 2: The campaign launched and Tops shoppers began donating.
December 11: A News 8 team will be at Tops on Mt. Read Blvd. for the food drive.
Philanthropy Context
The campaign's earlier start responds directly to SNAP benefit losses that have shifted at least 4,000 Monroe County recipients toward charitable food sources. Community food drives like this one have become a key bridge when federal nutrition assistance falls short.
Tops shoppers can donate at any regional Tops location by buying a $5, $10, or $20 Little Brown Bag of Hope at checkout. Donors can also attend the December 11 food drive at the Mt. Read Blvd. store.
The takeaway
Small purchases at the register add up when pantry demand is at a record high, and shoppers can give directly through Tops throughout the campaign.
What happens next
A News 8 food drive will take place at Tops on Mt. Read Blvd. on December 11, and Little Brown Bag of Hope purchases are available through December.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage in Rochester for related community giving efforts.
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