New initiative enables customers to donate food to area pantries at no cost
North Kingstown, RI – (February 13, 2025) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 159 stores across the Northeast, is proud to announce the launch of its Feed for Free program, an innovative food donation initiative designed to provide critical resources to area food pantries while rewarding customers for their generosity. Piloting in all Rhode Island stores beginning Monday, February 17, this new program builds on OSJL’s long-standing commitment to fighting food insecurity.
How It Works:
- Customers can purchase $10.00 or more of food from specially marked Feed for Free displays at any OSJL store in Rhode Island.
- They will receive a Crazy Deal® Gift Card equal to the value of their purchase.
- Customers can then choose to donate the food to OSJL for distribution to area food pantries or keep the food for themselves.
“This program provides a simple way for customers to help their neighbors while getting rewarded for their generosity,” said Marc Perlman, Principal Owner and CEO, Ocean State Job Lot. “We donate millions of meals each year, and now, with the Feed for Free program, our customers can take an active role in supporting their communities while enjoying the savings OSJL is known for.”
The Feed for Free program expands on OSJL’s successful Eat for Free initiative and reflects the company’s deep commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. OSJL has a long history of addressing food insecurity through its Three-Square Meals program, ongoing food pantry partnerships, and large-scale meal donations.
The Rhode Island pilot program will serve as a model for potential expansion to OSJL locations across the Northeast later this year.
About Ocean State Job Lot:
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 159 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, approximately 5,600 associates, and annual sales exceeding $850 million. OSJL Shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool, and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price. The company was named a four-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a four-time US Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a three-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and a Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. *Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative, and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need. Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in the Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: (401) 295-2672; Website: OceanStateJobLot.com.
