Noah Gragson claimed first place in this year’s Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. I was there and it was exciting!

This year was Gragson’s third straight win in the Xfinity Series; his sixth win of the season and the 11th of his career. Gragson held off Brandon Jones, the driver who will take his seat in the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet next year, when Gragson graduates to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride with Petty GMS in 2023. Read more about the race from Reid Spencer of NASCAR Wire Service here.

Before the race, we presented a check to our friends at @pva1946 totaling over $400,000. We thank our customers, associates and vendor partners for their tremendous generosity. Pictured are Richard Petty, the face of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Steven Smith of Food City.

Sign up to help your school

Each year, Food City’s School Bucks program provides educational tools and equipment to participating schools throughout the supermarket retailer’s market area.

Food City contributes $700,000 each year to more than 1,000 participating area schools. The 2022-2023 School Bucks program will run through May 9, 2023. For every dollar Food City shoppers spend using their ValuCard, they will receive one School Bucks point. Customers can go here to link their Food City ValuCard to the participating school of their choice. Food City is committed to this program. Since its inception, we have awarded more than $21.4 million directly to schools.

UT Pep Rallies and Food City smoker

Stock up on your Game Day supplies, especially smoked pork, from your neighborhood Food City. And bring the kids for these upcoming parking lot celebrations. Pep rallies generally include UT cheerleaders, Smokey, free samples from vendors and giveways including UT football tickets. Here’s the schedule:

Friday, Sept 23, South Knox County, store #682 Mountain Grove

Friday, Oct 14, West Knox, store #694 Deane Hill

Friday, Oct 21, Northwest Knox, store #678 Malone Creek

Friday, Oct. 28, North Knox, store #679 Powell.

Jobs, jobs, jobs: Food City continues to hire for full- or part-time jobs, entry-level or skilled positions. Interested candidates can apply online at FoodCity.com or visit any Food City store to complete an application.

Betsi James is special events manager for Food City’s Knoxville and Chattanooga divisions.