Eighty-seven food banks will receive a boost in the coming weeks as BI-LO works with members of the community to provide much-needed pet food as part of the company's PAWS Premium promotion.

The donation event, which runs Sept. 1-28, is in its second year and has a goal to double the more than 60 tons of pet food donated last year.

This effort is particularly critical in light of the current economic situation, as many food banks face the dual challenge of diminished contributions and an increased number of individuals in need of food not only for themselves, but for their pets as well.

BI-LO's goal is to help reduce the number of animals being abandoned by their owners or sent to shelters by assisting the families already receiving support from the food banks.

Customers can participate in the promotion while also saving money themselves. All shoppers need to do is purchase a pre-packaged bag of BI-LO's store-branded pet food, PAWS Premium, for $5 that will then be donated to food banks throughout BI-LO's operating market.

The pre-packed bags will be available for purchase at all BI-LO locations and can be placed in specially marked "Feed The Love" donations bins at the entrance of the store. Customers who participate will receive an additional five cents in fuelperks! rewards.

"BI-LO is serious about supporting all the members of our communities - both our customers and their furry friends," says Darren Johnson, category merchandiser with BI-LO.

The PAWS promotion is a win-win situation for the consumers, the shelters and the animals. We are greatly privileged to be able to help such amazing organizations throughout our operating market."

"We are really excited BI-LO has decided to bring this program back for a second year," said Chris Daly, chief operating officer from Harvest Hope Food Bank.

"We do our best to provide food for as many people as we can, but it is difficult at times to assist those who need help feeding not just themselves but their pets as well. This program is a great help to us and we certainly appreciate BI-LO's efforts and their customers' generosity."

About BI-LO

Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD and other exclusive programs. A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $52 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company's footprint since 1983. For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.