7-Eleven, Belly Partner for 'Give A Little & Do Great' Program

CHICAGO -- 7-Eleven Inc. and loyalty platform Belly launched the joint program, "Give a Little & Do Great," which allows Belly members to redeem loyalty points for charity at participating Chicago 7-Eleven stores. The two companies will donate one meal to the Greater Chicago Food Depository for every 10-point reward that is redeemed.

Belly provides consumer-facing tablets to partner businesses and allows customers to "check in" and earn points through repeat visits. Belly members can earn 10 points through two visits and select the "Give a Little" reward on the in-store tablet to donate a meal, rather than redeeming the points for food items or other in-store goods.

"Belly tablets at Chicago 7-Eleven stores are the vehicle making it easy for our members to make a difference in their neighborhood," said Belly Vice President of Business Development Ryan Jeffery. "The Greater Chicago Food Depository's programs address the causes of hunger while working to feed as many area needy families as possible. We are excited to partner with 7-Eleven in this effort and to give our Belly members an easy way to minimize hunger among their neighbors."

The companies plan to announce the total number of donated meals on "Giving Tuesday," Dec. 3.

"This initiative is an extension of the continued hunger relief efforts at 7-Eleven," said 7-Eleven Inc. Vice President of Marketing and Brand Innovation Laura Gordon. "The Belly program offers a new way for our guests to give back just by shopping at our stores."

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center that works with 650 pantries, food kitchens, shelters, and children and adult programs across the greater Chicago-area's Cook County to address the root causes of hunger, according to the announcement.

"The Give A Little & Do Great initiative comes at a time when one in six people in our community are unsure when they will receive their next meal," said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Food Depository. "We are thankful for the support of Belly and 7-Eleven, and look forward to the additional awareness of hunger in our community and impact for struggling families throughout Cook County."