The grocery store industry is thriving nearly to the point of being overextended during the COVID-19 pandemic, though other businesses haven’t been as fortunate. With that in mind, one Iowa grocery chain is doing their part to aid the business landscape.

Fareway Stores, Incorporated, which has store locations in Adel, Jefferson, and Perry, recently announced a $200,000 donation to the Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE). The funds will allow local chambers that include Fareway stores to gift between $1,000-$2,000 in gift cards to other member businesses. Fareway President and CEO Reynolds Cramer said he hopes the donation helps small businesses and their employees that are facing challenges during the coronavirus crisis.

Once the funds are allocated to the individual chambers of commerce by the ICCE, they will decide which members are in most need of support through some form of application process. Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Director Deb Bengtson estimates each recipient should get around $50 to spend at the Fareway store as they need. Bengtson joined with other chamber directors in showing their appreciation for the donation, and she feels the money will be helpful to small business owners who are trying to make ends meet.

Any Adel, Jefferson, or Perry businesses interested in receiving the gift cards should contact their respective chamber director.