Giant Food pledges support to local food banks

Giant Food is looking to help the communities it serves in various ways amid the pandemic.

The Landover, Md.-based retailer announced that it will be donating 1,200 hams and $550,000 to five Feeding America food banks within its region — Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Both the food and monetary donations will help provide meals to families who are food insecure and have been impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States.

“During this unprecedented time, we recognize that our food bank partners have an increased demand for food and supplies to serve those facing unexpected hardships,” Ira Kress, interim president of Giant, said. “It's important for us to be a good neighbor and do whatever we can to help our partners fight hunger and provide vital services to our communities right now.”

In addition, Giant is letting customers get involved in the donation efforts by allowing members of its Flexible Rewards Program the ability to designate the value of their points for dollar donations to the food bank partners as well.

Donated funds will be distributed weekly to Feeding American food banks to ensure the benefit is available to those who need it as quickly as possible, the company said.