Albertsons to Contribute Thousands of Volunteer Hours, Dollars to Environmental Causes in '05

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's Inc. said yesterday it plans to sharply increase its volunteer efforts, and also contribute an estimated $500,000 this year to support environmental programs nationwide.

The grocer, which this year formally added "environmental stewardship" to its
annual charitable giving focus areas, said the funds and volunteer efforts will be allocated across various environmental programs across the country. Donations will be identified and distributed to local organizations by Albertsons and each of its banners.

The company said environmental stewardship is planned as an annual component of Albertsons charitable giving initiatives, which also include hunger relief, education and the development of our youth, and health and nutrition.

"We recognize that environmental protection and the conservation of our natural resources are causes that are important to our customers and we are committed to making it easier for local organizations to continue their efforts to keep our communities healthy and vibrant," said Larry Johnston, chairman, CEO and president of Albertsons. "In addition, this new charitable focus will complement our company's ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of environmental management in our business."

Albertsons and its family of stores have received nearly 30 environmental awards in recent years for its leadership in the areas of recycling, energy management, pollution prevention, and resource conservation, including recognition from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the National Recycling Coalition. Just this month, the International Council of Shopping Centers announced that Albertsons will receive this year's Best Expansion of an Existing Recycling Program award for its commitment to
recycling assets at stores and distribution centers, and its promotion of the use of recyclable packaging for fresh food deliveries and own brand items.

To kick off Albertsons' new environmental giving initiative, the retailer’s divisions will coordinate environmental volunteer events this month. The increased focus on environmental issues will give Albertsons' 240,000 associates the opportunity to donate tens of thousands of hours in volunteer efforts including community clean-up, recycling programs, and landscaping projects.
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