Giant Food to donate $1.5M for community needs amid COVID-19 pandemic

Giant Food is making a big donation to help various communities as the coronavirus pandemic continues across the United States.

The Landover, Md.-based grocery chain will donate $1,550,000 to a variety of nonprofit partners across its service region in order to provide support to those who are struggling with access to necessary food and supplies.

“Our nonprofit partners are under extraordinary pressure right now and need everyone's support to continue their vital services,” Ira Kress, interim president of Giant said. “We're here to assist them in any way that we can during this unprecedented situation, and we hope that our customers will join us in giving back and helping their neighbors in need.”

Distribution of the funds include the company’s previously announced donation of 1,200 hams and $550,000 to five local Feeding American food banks.

Another $500,000 will be given to Johns Hopkins University to support COVID-19 response efforts, patient care and research for teams working to understand the virus and develop detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods.

The final $500,000 will be distributed to local nonprofits across Giant’s communities, including Save the Children and No Kids Hungry, Meals on Wheels, Blessings in a Backpack, Boys & Girl Club, and Martha’s Table.

In addition, the retailer is encouraging customers get involved in supporting relief efforts in two ways — through its Flexible Rewards Program and round up purchases at checkout to the nearest dollar amount.