Safeway delivers Gift Cards at Marian Marketplace for the holidays

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO)- Safeway will deliver 506 $50 gift cards to the Marian House Marketplace for families in need this year in Colorado Springs.

The gift cards are the result of a grant of $25,300 from Safeway's Nourishing Neighbors Program, which is provided from funds donated by the generous customers at checkout stands over the past four weeks. This year they are giving families the dignity of choice, rather than providing them with a prepared Thanksgiving meal.

It's an effort inspired by the pandemic. Rochelle Schlortt with Catholic Charities says this is especially important during this time.

"I think this year, having the gift card to be able to go into Safeway is particularly important, we've all heard the numbers of inflation, groceries are costing more, everything is costing more," said Schlortt.

According to the Farm Bureau’s 36th annual survey, the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31, or less than $6.00 per person.

This is a 14% increase from last year’s average of $46.90.

Safeway grocery stores say they understand the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon families and this gives them an opportunity to purchase the traditional meal or fulfill basic family needs.

"I think the rising costs of all goods across the board has impacted everyone, and I think this holiday program and the flexibility to be able to give gift cards lets them stretch those dollars maybe a little longer and further than otherwise they might not have been able to," said Kris Staaf, senior director of Public Affairs at Safeway's Denver Division.

Staaf said families now can have a choice.

"Our clients might not want a turkey meal for the holidays, they might want a spaghetti meal, or they might want to buy diapers or formula or something that lasts a little bit longer," added Staaf.

The families who receive the gift card can use it at any Safeway store to buy any items, excluding alcohol and tobacco.

Safeway hopes to continue this program next month.