Bethpage, NY - February 13, 2012 - King Kullen, America's First Supermarket, recently came to the aid of Long Islanders in need by hosting a "Check Out Hunger" campaign in its stores, raising $38,012. The money was donated to the Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank, which has been serving the hungry on Long Island since 1980. King Kullen Co-President Brian C. Cullen stated, "King Kullen has been a longtime supporter of the Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank. We are pleased that through the generosity of our customers who contributed to the 'Check Out Hunger' campaign, King Kullen is able to assist Long Island Cares in its mission to provide emergency food where and when it is needed. Helping those in need in the communities we serve is a tradition that goes back to my grandfather, Michael J. Cullen, who founded King Kullen in 1930." In 1997, King Kullen was the first supermarket chain to participate in the annual "Check Out Hunger" campaign, a unique partnership between Long Island Cares and the shopping community. This year's campaign ran from October through December 31, 2011, with shoppers tearing off and having scanned a $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 donation coupon when checking out at the supermarket register. One hundred percent of all donations go to Long Island Cares. "King Kullen has a long history of making a difference in the fight against hunger and its customers have always been charitable in supporting our mission," observed Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank Executive Director Paule T. Pachter. "Together, we have helped improve the lives of our neighbors on Long Island during this time of economic uncertainty. We are very grateful to King Kullen and its customers for their steadfast support." Headquartered in Bethpage, New York, King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as American's first supermarket. Founded in 1930 by Michael J. Cullen, King Kullen today operates 42 supermarkets and four Wild by Nature stores across Long Island.