Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Co.’s Healing Our Planet initiative has raised more than $1.46 million to support Rodale Institute, Planet Bee Foundation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Now in its third year, the campaign has raised more than $5.6 million to grow health and sustainability initiatives.
John Ruane, interim president of The Giant Co., announced the campaign results at Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Ruane presented $850,092 to support the nonprofit’s regenerative organic agriculture initiatives, including climate science research to strengthen food system sustainability practices and climate resilient communities for generations to come.
“Investing in efforts to create a more sustainable food system is critical to our purpose of connecting families for a better future,” Ruane said.
“The Giant Company’s Healing Our Planet campaign is an inclusive approach to building healthy, sustainable and food secure communities for all. Thanks to our customers and partners like Rodale Institute, we are turning dollars into actionable change, creating a stronger, healthier tomorrow.”
From March 1-May 31, customers were able to round up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar or convert their Choice Reward points into a donation to support Healing Our Planet partners.
“Change in our food system starts with consumers, and this investment in our global nonprofit signals the public’s demand for a shift to regenerative organic farming,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO, Rodale Institute.
“This generous funding from The Giant Company and its customers will support the Institute’s groundbreaking research and assist first-generation, veteran and transitioning farmers as they seek to build regenerative organic agricultural businesses.”
Since 2021, The Giant Co.’s partnership with Rodale Institute and its 386-acre experimental farm has supported initiatives to grow farmer training and mentorship, organic farm transition consulting and soil health research.
Additional funds will help Rodale Institute grow its scientific research to develop the best farming models and practices for climate-resilient agriculture.
