Giant kicks off activities supporting local food banks

Throughout the month of September, Giant is partnering with its customers and team members to donate funds and products, as well as volunteer and raise awareness to help eliminate hunger in honor of Hunger Action Month.

Established in 2008 Hunger Action Month, which is part of Feeding America’s nationwide network, was created as a food banks awareness campaign to mobilize the public to act on the issue of hunger, the company said. 

“As a grocer, we have the responsibility to feed all people in our local communities and understand the crucial role we must play in supporting our local food banks and ensuring everyone has access to healthy food,” said Jessica Groves, community impact manager at Giant.  “Hunger can affect people from all walks of life and today, food banks are reporting a 50% increase in families requesting food, and up to 75% more need overall. The Giant company is dedicated to eliminating hunger in its local communities and Hunger Action Month is a time to inspire action and awareness about the continuing issue of hunger.”

[Read more: Giant releases community impact report]

Giant has several donation, volunteer and awareness activities planned throughout the month to support families facing food insecurity including:

• In partnership with its supplier partners, Giant will support 24 local organizations by packing and distributing 6,000 backpacks full of food to school kids across its operating area the week of Sept. 5;
• Customers and team members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food at any Giant, Martin’s or Giant Heirloom Market to benefit local food bank partners from Sept. 9  o18 as part of the Donate to Fill a Plate campaign;
• The 2nd Giant Grocery Grab is scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Linglestown Rd. Giant in Harrisburg and will include contestants competing head-to-head in a friendly game to benefit four local hunger relief organizations;
• Giant will donate a total of $400,000 to 20 partner food banks across its operating area in recognition of Hunger Action Day on Sept. 23. In addition, Giant and Martin’s team members from across all stores will participate in volunteer efforts with food bank partners that day and throughout the week assisting with packing, stocking and organizing efforts;
• Every Tuesday in September at 12 p.m., Giant dietitians will host a hunger action virtual class series. Each week will feature an orange-inspired (the official color for Hunger Action Month) recipe demonstration while educating attendees on hunger in local communities; and
• Customers can support their local food banks by rounding up the dollar amount on their purchase at checkout or by purchasing a reusable bag, with 50 cents of each bag going toward hunger action efforts.

[Read more: Giant opens new store in Richboro, Pa.]

“The Giant Company’s support during this time makes a tremendous difference,” said Jennifer Brillhart, CEO of York County Food Bank. “Long lines are back as a result of increased costs and Giant’s monetary support and volunteerism helps us continue providing food to the many families overwhelmed by inflation.”

Last year, Giant, its customers and supplier partners donated more than $3.1 million to local hunger relief organizations and team members volunteered 7,616 hours throughout Hunger Action Month.