Bulk food distributor BJ's Charitable Foundation recently distributed grants totaling $356,500 to 57 nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts, the MetroWest Daily News reported. Among those provided with sums include Project Just Because, which supplies food to the Hopkinton Food Pantry, the Power Hour Homework Assistance Program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest and the South Middlesex Opportunity Council's Common Ground Resource Center Program. 

The foundation sought to give money to groups that work to alleviate hunger and promote self-sufficiency, healthcare and education. 

Overall, BJ's Charitable Foundation donated $1,689,150 to 265 nonprofits in states where the corporation has a storefront location. 

"The goal of BJ's Charitable Foundation is to create a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities in which BJ's serves," explained the group's executive director Jessica Newman, adding that, "the donations from the BJ's Charitable Foundation will impact tens of thousands of individuals and families, resulting in a better community for us all." 

BJ's Charitable Foundation began distributing grants to nonprofit organizations in 2005, and has given almost $16 million to more than 1,800 groups. Nonprofits given sums in the past include soup kitchens, shelter programs, tutoring centers and free medical clinics.

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