SOBEYS ISSUES CHALLENGE TO HELP THE HUNGRY IN ATLANTIC CANADA

STELLARTON, NS, Nov. 12 /CNW/ - Today, Sobeys Atlantic is launching a three-week food donation and fundraising campaign called Fill the Food Bank. Fuel the Community with the goal to rally employees, suppliers and customers in support of community food banks throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

From November 12 to December 2, 2010, employees, suppliers and customers are invited to support food banks through food donations and fundraising initiatives taking place throughout Sobeys Atlantic's network of more than 300 stores, retail support centres, TRA Atlantic Wholesale Cash & Carry locations and corporate offices across Atlantic Canada.  All food donations and funds raised will directly support local food banks and food bank associations.

"Sobeys is a long-time and proud supporter of local foods banks throughout Atlantic Canada, and this year we are very excited to mobilize our entire regional network of employees, along with suppliers and customers, with the launch of our Fill the Food Bank. Fuel the Community campaign," said Cindy Stevens, Vice President, Marketing, Sobeys Atlantic. "Through the power of our collective efforts, we believe that we can make a difference in communities throughout Atlantic Canada by helping fill local food banks with food and cash donations." 

Beginning today, Sobeys Atlantic will host community fundraising initiatives at all retail stores including Sobeys, Foodland, Price Chopper, Needs, Clover Farms and Fast Fuel locations throughout the region.  In addition, customers can also purchase a $2 Fill the Food Bank. Fuel the Community paper ornament or donate non-perishable food items at any Sobeys, Foodland, or Price Chopper location. 

In Atlantic Canada, almost 71,000 individuals turned to food banks for assistance in March 2009. Of these, more than 25,000 were children. (Source: Food Banks Canada, the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada).

On December 11, 2010, Sobeys Atlantic will announce results of the Fill the Food Bank. Fuel the Community campaign.

About Sobeys Inc.

Sobeys Inc. is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Price Chopper and Thrifty Foods, as well as Lawtons Drug Stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.

For further information: