ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Tops Friendly Markets is launching its annual Check Out Hunger campaign. The initiative will take place at all Tops stores from January 19 through February 8. The Check Out Hunger campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million for participating food banks, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity since the campaign first got started in 2004. The following food banks will benefit from this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign: · Foodlink of Rochester· FeedMore WNY· Food Bank of Central NY· Food Bank of the Southern Tier· Food Bank of the Hudson Valley· Food Bank of NE NY· Food Bank of NW PA· Food Bank of Central PA· Food Bank of Vermont "By participating in the Check Out Hunger campaign, those in the community can help make a difference," a spokesperson with Tops said. "Simply tell your cashier at Tops that you’d like to support the campaign, and you can contribute $2, $3, or $5 to help provide food for local food banks." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among households with children, 17.9 percent (6.5 million households) experienced food insecurity in 2023. In addition, 5.1 percent of all U.S. households (6.8 million households) faced exceptionally low food security, where normal eating patterns were disrupted due to limited resources. “Eradicating hunger and supporting our neighbors in need is central to Tops’ mission,” Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets said. “We are proud to stand behind this effort year after year.”