Today, the San Francisco 49ers officially announced the Red & Gold Grocery Giveback presented by Safeway, a long-term community impact initiative fighting food insecurity by assisting Bay Area residents with grocery costs. The 49ers and long-time corporate partner Safeway plan to distribute $300,000 worth of grocery savings before the end of the 2025 calendar year.
Red & Gold Grocery Giveback is an organization-wide effort for the 49ers. Over the course of 2025, the team will distribute Safeway gift cards at various community events hosted by the 49ers Foundation, the team's 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and 49ers Community Relations, the players community service department. By working through these two distinct community impact arms of the 49ers, Red & Gold Grocery Giveback maximizes its impact and reach throughout Bay Area communities.
"Red & Gold Grocery Giveback is what corporate partnership is all about; two renowned brands like Safeway and the 49ers coming together to make a difference in the Bay Area community," said Kevin Hilton, 49ers VP of Corporate Partnerships. "Our teams have been collaborating on community impact efforts in the region for over a decade, and this program is another strong example of that. We are proud to be aligned in our values and partnering on another powerful initiative."
Fighting food insecurity is one of many community pillars for the 49ers, and Red & Gold Grocery Giveback adds to the organization's rich history of supporting Bay Area residents. Whether it's partnering with local food banks, serving meals at homeless shelters, or distributing over 1,000 meals annually through staple holiday events like Feast with the Niners and Hope for the Holidays, the team uses its platform to highlight the issue's importance. To close out the 2024 season, 49ers players distributed $29,800 worth of Safeway grocery gift cards at various Community Relations events, supporting over 700 individuals.
"We're proud of our players' impact in the community, prioritizing service and outreach opportunities in a multitude of cause areas," said Corry Rush, 49ers VP of Football Communications and Community Relations. "Food insecurity continues to be a leading issue that many Bay Area families navigate, and our team looks forward to partnering with Safeway to support those who need it most."
This Friday, March 20th, the 49ers Foundation will distribute over $15,000 worth of grocery funds at the sixth annual Foundation for Success presented by Intuit. Over the course of the afternoon at Levi's® Stadium, hundreds of high school students will engage in professional skills workshops, to learn from Bay Area industry leaders how to navigate job applications and career development. As these students prepare for college and beyond, Foundation for Success bridges the gap between education and the professional world.
"Over the past six years, Foundation for Success presented by Intuit has grown into one of our most impactful events, providing nearly 1,000 Bay Area students with invaluable professional development and STEM career insights since 2018," said Justin Prettyman, 49ers VP of Philanthropy. "We are fortunate to have partners like Intuit and Safeway who are committed to aiding our mission to educate and empower Bay Area youth and beyond. We can't wait to host another memorable event at Levi's® Stadium later this week."
"We are excited to partner with the 49ers Red and Gold Grocery Giveback initiative," said Karl Schroeder, Safeway Division President. "This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to fighting food insecurity and helping Bay Area residents access the groceries they need. We take great pride in nourishing our neighbors in need and strengthening the communities we serve."
About the 49ers Foundation
For over 30 years, the 49ers Foundation has harnessed football to educate and empower Bay Area youth through collective and innovative community-focused strategies. From award-winning STEAM education and nationally recognized youth football programs, to impactful community partnerships with leading nonprofits, the 49ers Foundation is tirelessly dedicated to inspiring the confidence and collaboration youth need to tackle what is possible. Since 1991, the 49ers Foundation has invested more than $65 million back into historically underserved Bay Area communities in support of its commitment to remain faithful to the next generation. 49ers.com/foundation
About 49ers Community Relations
Continuing to use football as its platform, 49ers Community Relations strives to build stronger communities through partnerships with Bay Area nonprofit organizations forging the path for positive change. Through hands-on service, 49ers players, alumni, ownership, and families volunteer their time to support and encourage underserved youth and families, those facing medical crises and mental health challenges, active duty, veteran and military families, at-risk individuals and social justice efforts. 49ers.com/community
About Safeway
Safeway is one of the most well-recognized grocery retail brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and service, proudly serving Northern California since 1926. As the largest purchaser of locally grown produce in Northern California, the company operates over 285 stores across Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii under four banners: Andronico's, Safeway, Pak N' Save, and Vons. In 2024, Safeway along with the Safeway Foundation contributed more than $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations within the Northern California Division. Safeway Northern California is a division of Albertsons Companies.
