BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A local grocery store is stepping up to help families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Fresh Grocer, owned and operated by Gerrity’s, is assisting individuals in need through various discounts and food drives.
Gerrity’s will be offering a 10% discount on Friday, Nov. 7, to all federal workers, according to a news release.
Gerrity’s Valley Farm Market operates at 1880 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem.
In the Lehigh Valley, a Gerrity’s location – known as Gerrity’s Valley Farm Market – operates 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1880 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem.
Eligible shoppers can receive the 10% discount on their entire grocery order up to $200.
To qualify, customers must present a valid federal ID with a photo.
The offer excludes select items, including alcohol, tobacco and lottery products.
Beginning the same day, online shoppers can visit thefreshgrocer.com to take advantage of $10 off a $30 order and also receive a free box of pasta and a jar of sauce.
The online offer will run for one week and will be available to all customers.
Shoppers can choose to keep the free items or donate them to those in need, which can be donated at Gerrity’s.
All locations are accepting non-perishable food donations for local food pantries to further assist families during the shutdown.
“Our hearts go out to the families who are missing paychecks and food assistance during this difficult time,” said Joe Fasula, co-owner of Gerrity’s.
“As a family-owned business, we are only successful if our community thrives. Right now, many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to put food on their tables and we want to help in every way we can.”
Gerrity’s is the area’s largest locally-owned, family-owned supermarket business.
The company, operating in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties, is comprised of 10 supermarkets and a corporate office in Scranton.
The company is owned by Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son, Joe Fasula.
Gerrity’s, part of The Fresh Grocer banner, employs more then 1,300 people and has been in business since 1895.
The Fresh Grocer is a registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, New Jersey, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States.