Grocery store donates $50,000 lottery prize to fight hunger and homelessness

A Tri-State Megabucks lottery win at a St. Albans Hannaford store has sparked more than just individual celebration. The grocery chain transformed its $50,000 lottery commission into a powerful community investment.

A winning moment becomes a community opportunity

In September, a Tri-State Megabucks ticket sold at the St. Albans Hannaford store produced a $6.27 million winner. Instead of pocketing its sales commission, Hannaford chose to give back to local organizations.

The retailer distributed its entire $50,000 commission to three non-profit organizations focused on addressing food insecurity and homelessness in the St. Albans community.

Breaking down the donations

Hannaford strategically allocated the funds:

• $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

Community leaders speak out

Melissa Roberge, Director of Operations for Hannaford Supermarkets, explained the motivation: "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. We hope this donation will further the efforts of these critical community organizations to increase access to fresh, nutritious food and safe shelter."

Wendy Knight, Liquor and Lottery Commissioner, praised Hannaford's generosity: "On behalf of the DLL, I commend Hannaford Supermarkets for their commitment to supporting Vermont's local communities. 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."

A commitment to community

This donation is not an isolated event. Hannaford donates approximately $53 million annually across its five-state region. In 2023, the company contributed 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations.

Bob Begley from Martha's Community Kitchen captured the impact: "We are so grateful for this substantial donation. 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."

The lottery win became more than a personal jackpot. It transformed into a lifeline for community members most in need.