Fareway donates more than $200,000 to support small businesses and their employees

Fareway Stores, Inc. recently announced a $200,000 donation to the Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE). The donation provided for $1,000 or more in gift cards to ICCE chamber of commerce members in the communities Fareway serves.

ICCE distributed the Fareway gift cards to its chamber of commerce members. The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce received $2,000 in gift cards, which are being distributed to local small businesses and their employees. Recipients had to be current Newton Chamber members and employ between 1-25 employees and were required to complete a short application.

“Local chambers have the pulse in each community and how best to serve its small business members during this time of need,” Fareway President and CEO Reynolds W. Cramer said. “We hope this relief reduces some of the stress our community business partners are facing.”

“Our local Chamber is so grateful to Fareway for providing this donation to our small businesses here in the greater Newton area,” Newton Chamber Executive Director, Amanda Price said. "We know that many have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis and we want to help any way we are able. This will help many to be able to get groceries for their employees and their families.”

“Our members work diligently every day to strengthen communities throughout Iowa,” ICCE Executive Director Lane Till said. “Through this generous donation from Fareway, our members will have the ability to help support the small businesses that create the heart of each of their communities.”

Follow the movement on Facebook with #FarewayShopsLocal.