St. Albans, Vt. – The Tri-State Megabucks ticket sold at the St. Albans Hannaford store that produced a $6.27 million winner in September will have an even greater community impact with the help of the grocery retailer.
Hannaford will donate its $50,000 commission from selling the winning Tri-State Megabucks ticket to three local non-profit organizations focused on increasing access to food and shelter in the St. Albans community.
“It’s always exciting to see one of our customers experience such good fortune, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by paying it forward to the St. Albans community,” said Melissa Roberge, Director of Operations for Hannaford Supermarkets. “We hope this donation will further the efforts of these critical community organizations to increase access to fresh, nutritious food and safe shelter.”
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL), which manages gaming entertainment in the state, commended Hannaford for its community-centered action.
“On behalf of the DLL, I commend Hannaford Supermarkets for their commitment to supporting Vermont's local communities,” said Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight. “Hannaford's generosity in donating their Vermont Lottery commission will help provide essential access to safe housing, nourishment, and support for homeless youth in Franklin County.”
Hannaford and the Vermont DLL recently welcomed the three community organizations to the St. Albans store for a celebratory check presentation. The local non-profits receiving donations are as follows:
-$10,000 to Martha’s Community Kitchen, which provides free nourishing meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
-$20,000 to Samaritan House, which provides emergency shelter and support services to people experiencing homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.
-$20,000 to the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth, a statewide program at Elevate Youth Services, which creates a statewide safety net for youth in need by supporting a network of runaway and homeless youth programs throughout Vermont, including Northwestern Counseling and Support Services
“We are so grateful for this substantial donation,” said Bob Begley with Martha’s Community Kitchen, a largely volunteer-run organization that served more than 48,000 meals to families in Vermont in 2023. “Donations like this allow us to keep our doors open every day of the year, as we strive to meet our mission of restoring dignity to hungry individuals and families by providing nourishment and companionship in a safe, warm and caring environment.”
Hannaford is deeply committed to cultivating thriving communities. Hannaford donates approximately $53 million annually across its five-state footprint, including 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences and everyday low prices. Hannaford also is an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based inScarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.
About Vermont DLL
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) creates and maintains a regulatory framework of licensing, compliance, enforcement, and education through partnerships for the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and gaming products.
Media Contacts:
Caitlin Cortelyou
External Communications Manager, Hannaford Supermarkets
207-885-3132
caitlin.cortelyou@hannaford.com
Olivia Kantyka
Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
802-760-0076