10�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM IN THE NEWS By Hernando Ramírez-Santos H eritage Grocers Group has launched the He- ritage Grocers Giving Foundation, a new philanthro- pic arm designed to streng- then communities across its operating regions. Te foun- dation represents a formal expansion of the company’s long-standing commitment to education, health, and local support programs. FOCUS ON COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Te Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation will drive com- panywide initiatives to en- rich lives, empower families, and support neighborhoods where Heritage stores opera- te. Te foundation prioritizes advancing education, promo- ting health and wellness, and delivering assistance during times of crisis. Adam Salgado, president and executive director of the foundation, said the efort underscores the retailer’s deep connection with its cutomers. “At Heritage Gro- cers Group, we take pride in being an integral part of the Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation LAUNCHES TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES BUILDING ON A STRONG RETAIL PRESENCE Heritage Grocers Group, headquartered in Ontario, Calif., operates 115 super- markets across six states: California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illi- nois. Its banners include: 58 Cardenas Markets 29 El Rancho Supermercado stores 21 Tony’s Fresh Market locations 7 Los Altos Ranch Markets This broad geographic reach provides the Heri- tage Grocers Giving Foun- dation with a powerful platform to engage with diverse communities and drive impact at scale. communities we serve and are deeply committed to gi- ving back in meaningful ways that create a lasting impact,” Salgado said. “Trough this foundation, we are deepe- ning our commitment to creating comprehensive and holistic programs that uplift and transform lives for a be- tter tomorrow.” FIRST FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN RAISES $105,000 Te foundation’s frst major initiative partnered with Oli- ve Crest and the Child Abuse Stops Here Network. Toge- ther, the organizations rai- sed more than $105,000 to help children and families in crisis. Customers across the company’s banners — Car- denas Markets, El Rancho Supermercado, Tony’s Fresh Market, and Los Altos Ranch Markets — supported the campaign through a round- up program at checkout. By rounding their pur- chases to the nearest dollar, shoppers helped fund pro- grams that provide safety, healing, and hope for vul- nerable children. COMMITMENT TO A LASTING LEGACY Heritage Grocers Group has long positioned itself as more than a retailer. The launch of its new foun- dation formalizes a philo- sophy of giving that has guided its operations for decades. By combining re- sources, expanding scholar- ship programs, and suppor- ting families in crisis, the company is reinforcing its role as both a food retailer and a community partner. The Heritage Grocers Gi- ving Foundation will conti- nue to expand its eforts in the coming years, with programs designed to create sustainable and measurable outcomes for the people it serves. FOUNDATION EXTENDS TO EXISTING CHARITABLE ARMS Te Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation will oversee and unify several of the com- pany’s existing charitable initiatives. Tese include the Cardenas Markets Founda- tion, Manos y Corazones Unidos of El Rancho Super- mercado, and Tony’s Chari- table Foundation. Together, these programs have a pro- ven history of supporting education, families, and cul- tural initiatives. Tis central leadership structure aims to expand the reach of charitable giving and ensure consistent impact across all operating regions. SCHOLARSHIPS EXPAND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES In addition to community fundraising, the foundation is investing directly in educa- tion. For the 2025-2026 aca- demic year, Heritage Grocers Group will award $427,000 in scholarships across its su- permarket network. Te funds represent an $82,000 increase compared with the previous year, refec- ting a growing commitment to educational support. Scho- larships will be distributed through the Cardenas Mar- kets Foundation, Manos y Co- razones Unidos, and Tony’s Charitable Foundation. By helping students pursue higher education, the foun- dation seeks to strengthen long-term opportunities for families and contribute to workforce development in its communities.