Giant Food donates $2M worth of essential supplies

Giant Food is doing its part to ensure essential supplies are being distributed to those who need it most.

To do just that, the retail grocery chain announced that it will donate toilet paper and hand sanitizer, totaling $2 million, to 11 nonprofit organizations.

Those receiving the donations include the Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, USO-Metro, Donate Delaware, US Dream Academy, Salvation Army, Johns Hopkins Hospital and United Way.

“Our nonprofit partners continue to see a high demand for essential supplies, such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as the coronavirus crisis continues to put many under extraordinary pressure,” Ira Kress, president of Giant Food, said. “It’s important for us to do all that we can as a neighbor to serve our communities, and we are humbled to be able to support our nonprofit partners with monetary and supply donations during this time.”

In addition, the Landover, Md.-based company also raised more than $550,000 through its “Lend a Hand for Hunger” holiday program, which donated funds to the Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

“During this pandemic, items like hand sanitizer and toilet tissue are some of the most essential supplies to ensure health and well-being, yet have also been the hardest to come by, especially for people who are already struggling to afford food,” said Molly McGlinchy, Capital Area Food Bank’s senior director of procurement and direct programs. “Giant’s generous donation of these items is making a big difference for thousands of our neighbors in the midst of this incredibly challenging time.”