SCARBOROUGH — Hannaford Supermarkets announced a donation of more than $1.7 million to area schools across New England and New York, including $569,157 in Maine to 526 schools as part of its Hannaford Helps School program.

The donations will help support needs determined by individual schools including things like new computers, musical instruments, sports gear or playground equipment.

“We’re proud that Hannaford Helps Schools can expand opportunities for students—especially at a time when so many of our schools are stretched for resources,” said Ericka Dodge, spokesperson for Hannaford. “Educators already go above and beyond each and every day and now they’re faced with additional challenges brought on by educating in a COVID-19 environment. We hope that this donation done in partnership with our generous shoppers can provide some additional support to their students and classrooms.”

The Hannaford Helps Schools program helps local schools meet fundraising goals by engaging shoppers to purchase specially marked items in Hannaford stores. Each store features more than 1,500 eligible products on its shelves. For every four participating products purchased, a shopper will receive three “School Dollars” that they can then donate in-store to the school of their choice. Additionally, Hannaford awards $1,000 to the school that raises in the most funds in each community. In Maine, 155 schools received an additional $1,000 bonus.

The 2021 Hannaford Helps School program will launch on March 14 and extend through May 29. More information on the Hannaford Helps Schools program, including a list participating schools, can be found here.

Since 1999, Hannaford Helps Schools has raised nearly $14 million for schools in New England and New York.

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