FoodLink for Tulare County is scheduled to receive $17,404 in donations during a special ceremony today as part of its fundraising campaign to purchase a new refrigerated truck.

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The gifts include a $10,000 check from Save Mart C.A.R.E.S. Foundation and $7,404 from the grocery chain’s 2015 in-store holiday drive. The campaign allowed shoppers to donate to the Tulare food bank at checkout lanes.

The money moves the organization closer to its goal of raising the $110,000 needed to buy a new 26-foot refrigerated truck. 

FoodLink’s current fleet is aging and a loaner vehicle from the California Emergency FoodLink had to be returned in December. In a statement, the Tulare County group said the vehicle shortage has placed a strain on the organization and its ability to serve local communities. 

“Transportation is an essential and costly activity to ensure that fresh and nourishing foods reach thousands of residents who experience insufficient food resources,” it read. 

Both checks will be presented to FoodLink officials during a special presentation ceremony at its Visalia warehouse at 4 p.m.