BANGOR – Hannaford has announced its Hannaford Helps Schools for the fall semester. Shoppers at Hannaford stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts may earn “school dollars” between Sept. 4 and Dec. 4.

Hannaford Helps Schools provides schools and parent organizations an opportunity to raise funds for athletic equipment, computers, playgrounds and other school-related needs.

Over the past three years, the program has provided more than $900,000 for 1,300 kindergarten through grade 12 schools throughout the Northeast. This year, Hannaford has designated $500,000 for the program.

“Hannaford recognizes the fiscal constraints forcing schools to make tough funding decisions. This program provides an easy way for schools to raise additional funds,” said Hannaford marketing specialist Nancy Dumais.

“School Dollars” are based on customer purchases of certain products. School Dollars are equivalent to cash and may either be turned in to local schools or donated in-store for distribution to several local schools. This year’s program has grown to include three vendor partners. In addition to General Mills, participating partners are Kraft and Acosta, which represents Barber Foods, Clorox and Heinz.

Schools that participated in the program in 2003, do not need to reregister for this year’s program.

To raise money, shoppers simply purchase participating products. For every four of those products purchased, shoppers will receive $3 in “School Dollars.” There is no limit to the number of products that may be purchased in one shopping trip.

At the conclusion of the program, Hannaford will award an additional $1,000 educational grant to the school that raises the most funds through each of the Hannaford stores. In order to be eligible for the $1,000 grant, schools must be registered with one local store by Nov. 27. The program is open to all kindergarten through grade 12 schools.

To see if a school is registered, or to obtain more information, visit www.hannaford.com, or call (800) 341-6393, Ext. 7100.