Giant Food pledges support in promoting racial equality

Giant Food is making a monetary commitment to help support long-standing community partner organizations and local HBCUs.

A total of $500,000 has been pledged by the Landover, Md.-based retailer, who will see that the donations support the work and engagement to address equity efforts across education, mentorships, programming and nutrition for children and adults.

Several nonprofit partners that will receive $350,000 or $50,000 each include the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Common Threads, Community Youth Advance, Greater Baltimore Urban League, Greater Washington Urban League and US Dream Academy.

“The support we receive from Giant Food is instrumental in our ability to cultivate the next generation of leaders,” Gabrielle Webster, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington said. “Giant Food was the catalyst to our partnership with Blessings in a Basket which has enabled us to provide over 2,400 meals monthly to our members during this critical time. Most recently, they have become the program sponsor for our Teen Takeover initiative which focuses on character development, workforce development, healthy lifestyles, and community. Despite the chaos surrounding our youth, we are able to provide safe spaces to thrive and grow, due to this wonderful partnership.”

The remaining $150,000 has been allocated to programming partnerships for local HBCUs throughout the greater Washington D.C. area, the company said.

“Recurring inequities and inequality in our community have played a starring role in the midst of these trying times, especially in Baltimore, amidst the global and racial pandemics that plague our world today,” Tiffany Majors, president and CEO of Greater Baltimore Urban League said. “Global corporations are waking up to the atrocious lack of diversity, inclusion, and systematic corporate employment discrimination within their companies. I am confident that we have an opportunity to change and re-define the role that global business plays in confronting racial inequality and re-imagining the future and we are glad to partner with Giant Food in making a change that creates a better 'America’ for all.”