Petty Racing Legends Join Forces with Food City
Food City is set to welcome two NASCAR icons as part of its annual checkout charity drive, running from July 1 through July 28, 2026.
During the campaign, shoppers can contribute a dollar, a three‑dollar amount, a five‑dollar sum, or any figure they choose, either at the register or through the retailer’s website.
Since the partnership began in 2011, the effort has generated more than $4.5 million for the Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit that provides health care, benefits and employment assistance to veterans with spinal cord injuries.
Steven C. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Food City, praised the company’s associates and customers for their sustained generosity, noting that the collaboration has become a cornerstone of the retailer’s community outreach.
Richard Petty, a seven‑time Daytona 500 champion, has championed veteran causes for over a decade, and this year’s drive gains added significance with his son Kyle Petty joining the initiative.
Kyle Petty, who once piloted a PVA‑branded race car during his NASCAR career, said the experience deepened his appreciation for the organization’s impact on families coping with life‑changing injuries.
The combined presence of the Petty duo, alongside Food City’s extensive store network across the United States, underscores a growing synergy between sports heritage and veteran support.