Ahold USA donates $9 million in new funding to hunger-relief groups

CARLISLE, Pa. — The parent company of the Stop & Shop, Giant-Carlisle and Giant-Landover supermarket chains is donating $9 million over three years to alleviate child hunger.

Ahold USA said it would distribute the money in Fighting Child Hunger grants from its Our Family Foundation. The foundation has awarded grants to 21 regional food banks in areas served by the company's banners.

The company said it donated nearly $67 million through the Our Family Foundation in 2012 to local organizations that fight hunger, improve the lives of children and build healthy communities.

"Grocery stores are among the top donors to Feeding America food banks nationwide, and these grants will take our core missions of hunger relief and helping children a step further by raising awareness for the issue and feeding more children in the local communities we serve," Our Family Foundation EVP operations and chairman Bhavdeep Singh said. "Companywide, Ahold USA and our retail divisions will continue our commitment to donating cash, product and volunteer time, delivering on a call to action to do everything we can to alleviate childhood hunger."