To protect customers and employees and support local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahold Delhaize and its brands have spent €364 million in COVID-19 relief costs in 2021, of which €20 million were additional charitable donations. In total, Ahold Delhaize and its local brands contributed more than €199 million in charitable donations across the globe.
The COVID-19 relief costs consisted of health and safety measures and additional paid quarantine leave for local brands’ associates in the U.S. The charitable donations comprise support to local and national charities, hospitals and institutes, aimed at supporting the communities in which the various local brands operate.
“The past year was volatile and in multiple ways unpredictable, something that affected many. After the hardship we had already seen in 2020, in 2021 local communities again faced unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic and natural disasters,” said Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize. “We felt it was important to continue our support. I am proud that our local brands and associates have been dedicated to fight hunger and inequality, support education for children and mental health initiatives and donate to hospitals.
“The COVID-19 relief costs add up to nearly €1 million per day, during the entire year. All with the goal of fulfilling our vital role in those local societies and living our values.”
Some examples of the charitable donations by its local brands across the globe are:
- The Giant Company, U.S., contributed $3.3 million to more than 160 school districts to help feed 475,000 students across four states.
- Albert Heijn, Netherlands, donated over €800,000 to food help programs at its permanent community partners.
- Hannaford, U.S., contributed $400,000 to organizations that provide resources and support for individuals affected by mental illness.
- Mega Image, Romania, donated medical equipment for hospitals.
- Bol.com, Netherlands, supported the education of children with a donation of books worth €400,000 during the Children’s Book Week.
- Albert, Czech, donated 1,900 tons of food, the equivalent of 3,8 million meals.
- Stop & Shop, U.S., delivered 21,500 turkeys – equaling a total of nearly 340,000 pounds – to 25 community partners and hunger relief organizations via its Turkey Express program.
- Delhaize Serbia donated trucks to the local food banks, to support their logistics.
- Giant Food donated to six long-standing nonprofit partners that focus on educational programming, mentorship and nutrition reaching African American communities.
For more information, visit aholddelhaize.com.
