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PHILADELPHIA — Rite Aid Healthy Futures announced today that it has awarded nearly $12 million in grants throughout 2024 to nonprofit organizations addressing critical challenges faced by children and youth. The funding focuses on combating food insecurity, promoting mental health, and advancing racial equity.
The grants support national charitable networks, children’s hospitals, regional food banks, and local organizations across Rite Aid communities.
“Children and families living in far too many communities face daunting realities daily given the effects of escalating and colliding societal crises centered on poverty, hunger, health, and racism,” said Matthew DeCamara, executive director of Rite Aid Healthy Futures. “We are emboldened to act with purpose and urgency given these conditions and inspired by the courageous leadership, critical services, and innovative programs of so many charitable organizations on the front lines.”
Tackling food insecurity
With one in five U.S. children facing food insecurity daily, Rite Aid Healthy Futures partnered with children’s hospitals and local organizations to deliver community-based programs such as urban agriculture, food distribution, nutrition education, and disease prevention initiatives. In six cities—Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Fresno, and Philadelphia—26 organizations received $3 million in grants to fight hunger.
Supporting youth mental health
Acknowledging the youth mental health crisis, with one in six children in the U.S. experiencing conditions such as anxiety and depression, Rite Aid Healthy Futures provided grants to leading mental health organizations. These funds support a continuum of care, including awareness campaigns, education, prevention programs, crisis care, and recovery services.
Empowering local communities
The charity’s Empowering Children initiative awarded $3.1 million to support causes such as child abuse prevention, youth homelessness, and treatment for childhood diseases. Grants also funded efforts to create a sense of belonging and restore hope for at-risk youth.
Expanding national partnerships
Additionally, $1.5 million supported two leading national nonprofits: Girls on the Run, which fosters confidence and health among young girls, and SeriousFun Children’s Network, which provides life-changing experiences for children with severe medical conditions.
