Our experience was easy and great! Since the Alfred Elementary PTSA was all new members this year, this opportunity was unexpected. We were genuinely surprised; we hadn’t heard of this program before. Now that we know about it, we’re excited to share more information with parents and encourage greater involvement from others and the broader community.

No, we didn't have anyone specifically managing the program. The administrative office let us know about this donation once it came through, and it was then that we realized what an opportunity the Hannaford Helps Schools program provides.

We asked a few questions about how the program normally works, and we were told at that time that the PTSA is typically in charge and oversees the program. Now that we know this, we’re going to put more time into managing it.

"The administrative office let us know about this donation once it came through, and it was then that we realized what an opportunity the Hannaford Helps Schools program provides."

In the past, emails were sent out to parents about the Hannaford Helps Schools Program, and reminders were also included in the monthly newsletters.

This year, we’re definitely going to do more to spread the word. Even with the limited outreach that was happening, we were really surprised by how much we received back. The donation is so helpful, and we want to make sure that continues.

The feedback was very positive and there was strong support. It’s a very simple way for the community and parents to be able to give back and help the school raise money without it costing them anything extra. Food is expensive these days and it’s something people have to buy anyway, so it’s nice to be able to help the Alfred Elementary school while providing food for your own family.

"The feedback was very positive and there was strong support."

I definitely see it as a staple in our community. Hannaford is known as one of the most family-friendly and community-oriented stores in the area. Events like this really highlight how dedicated they are to the people who live here.

It’s a great way to encourage new and old customers to continue supporting Hannaford instead of choosing some of the other large box stores that don’t help the community.

"Events like this really highlight how dedicated they (Hannaford) are to the people who live here."

It helps with field trips and supporting teachers. The PTSA gives teacher grants to help pay for supplies. Every year, we give $150 to each teacher for that purpose, and this money helps fund those grants. There are a lot of little things the PTSA helps with that people might not realize.

For example, we have a “share” fridge for the kids. Instead of throwing away unused food at the end of lunch, such as unopened milk, juice, fruit cups and similar items, students can place them in the “share” fridge. This way, kids who may need or want additional food can access it at any time.

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The PTSA helped pay for that fridge this year, which was a significant expense, and the check we received from Hannaford helped cover that cost and more. It’s definitely very useful, helpful, and appreciated.

"The PTSA gives teacher grants to help pay for supplies. Every year, we give $150 to each teacher for that purpose, and this money helps fund those grants. "

We want to set a clear goal and try to exceed what we raised last year. That will probably be our biggest objective, along with getting more people involved who don’t yet know about it. I think that will make a big difference.

Posted February 19, 2026.