The Cardenas Markets Foundation deepened its partnership with the American Heart Association. Consequently, it expanded efforts to promote heart health in the communities served by the Hispanic grocery chain.
Meanwhile, the philanthropic arm of Heritage Grocers Group announced new fundraising and awareness initiatives. These efforts aim to support cardiovascular education, research, and lifesaving training programs.
Additionally, the Cardenas Markets Foundation recently organized a chainwide fundraising effort in its supermarkets. This move shows how grocery retailers are using community programs to address public health challenges.
In-store Campaign Raises Funds for Heart Health
As part of its continued collaboration with the American Heart Association, the Cardenas Markets Foundation launched in-store round-up campaigns at every Cardenas Markets location.
Customers rounded up their grocery purchases at checkout, allowing small donations to add up across dozens of stores.
The campaign raised $25,000 to support the nonprofit’s work to improve cardiovascular health through education, research, and community outreach programs.
However, the initiative went beyond fundraising. Organizers also directed part of the support toward distributing CPR training kits to youth sports organizations.
These kits help coaches, volunteers, and young athletes learn lifesaving emergency response skills.
Retailers often serve as central hubs in their communities. Because of that role, the Cardenas Markets Foundation uses its store network to promote health awareness and practical safety training.
Raising Awareness About Women’s Heart Health
In addition to fundraising activities, employees joined national awareness efforts organized by the American Heart Association.
On February 6, team members across Cardenas Markets stores participated in National Wear Red Day, a campaign that highlights the risk of heart disease among women.
Employees wore red inside stores to spark conversations with shoppers about prevention, screening, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Company leaders said the initiative reflects the retailer’s broader commitment to community well-being.
“Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and advancing heart health is one of the most impactful ways we can honor that commitment,” said Marisa Kutansky, secretary of the Cardenas Markets Foundation and a member of the American Heart Association Inland Empire Executive Leadership Team.
Kutansky added that the partnership allows the foundation to inspire hope, empower families, and help build healthier neighborhoods across the region.
Related Article: How Hispanic Grocers Can Win More Mainstream Shoppers
Heart Walk Event to Unite Communities
Looking ahead, the Cardenas Markets Foundation will deepen its collaboration with the American Heart Association through participation in the upcoming Inland Empire Heart Walk.
The annual community event will take place on April 25 at ONT Field and will bring together employees, families, customers, and local partners.
The walk encourages participants to adopt heart-healthy habits while celebrating survivors and honoring those affected by cardiovascular disease.
Community walks organized by the American Heart Association often attract thousands of participants nationwide. Organizers say the events play a key role in funding research and promoting prevention efforts.
Torch Journey Builds Momentum Before Heart Walk
Before the April event, the Cardenas Markets Foundation will also participate in the Heart Walk Torch Journey 2026.
The symbolic tradition features a ceremonial torch that travels through several cities before the Heart Walk.
Each stop represents unity and resilience while highlighting the collective commitment to improving heart health in local communities.
For the Cardenas Markets Foundation, joining the Torch Journey provides another opportunity to engage residents and raise awareness before the larger event.
Longstanding Partnership Supports Community Health
The partnership between the Cardenas Markets Foundation and the American Heart Association reflects a growing trend among grocery retailers to expand community health initiatives.
Supermarkets interact with consumers daily and often serve as trusted neighborhood institutions. As a result, companies like Cardenas Markets increasingly invest in programs that address nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention.
Through fundraising campaigns, awareness events, and community partnerships, the Cardenas Markets Foundation continues to expand its role in promoting public health across the Inland Empire.