WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today praised Weis Markets for its efforts to meet the challenges of the rising cost of food. In a letter to David J. Hepfinger,
President and CEO of Weis Markets, Inc., Senator Casey commended the generosity of Weis Markets for implementing a 90-day price freeze on over 2,400 products.
“This decision shows an admirable commitment to helping your customers in communities across Pennsylvania and beyond who are finding it harder every day to make ends meet and put nutritious meals on their families’ tables,” wrote Senator Casey.
Senator Casey went on to write, “your actions to hold down food prices will give families greater access to the food staples they need and help them make ends meet."
Senator Casey has been a constant advocate for anti-hunger and nutrition programs. Last week, he introduced the Bonus TEFAP Assistance Act of 2009 to help move additional food to food banks that have experienced a spike in demand. The legislation would provide funds to agencies to help store, transport and distribute food to food banks, food pantries, emergency shelters and soup kitchens. Currently, many agencies aren’t able to accept additional food due to a lack of resources.
Full text of the letter is below:
Dear Mr. Hepfinger,
I was pleased to learn that Weis Markets has decided to implement a ninety-day price freeze on over 2,400 products in your stores. This decision shows an admirable commitment to helping your customers in communities across Pennsylvania and beyond who are finding it harder every day to make ends meet and put nutritious meals on their families’ tables.
Today millions of American households, including 492,000 in Pennsylvania, are going hungry or are on the edge of hunger, and those numbers are increasing. Every week we learn of another case of food pantries running low or running out of supplies. Some individuals who once donated to food pantries have joined the lines of those in need.
There is much we must do both in Washington, D.C. and in our states and communities to help people deal with the impact of the devastating recession. As you work to keep food prices low for your customers, I continue to work to strengthen federal programs that provide meals to those who would otherwise go hungry. Most recently, I introduced the Bonus TEFAP Assistance Act, which helps our local food banks receive and distribute federal food donations.
Without being asked, Weis Markets has chosen to respond to this need with vision and compassion. Your actions to hold down food prices will give families greater access to the food staples they need and help them make ends meet. Working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of hard working Pennsylvanians by working together.
Thank you for making this important decision.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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