The Giant Co.’s Feeding School Kids initiative recently raised more than $1.2 million to fund hunger-relief programs at school districts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
The funds are directed toward various nutritional needs, including clearing student lunch debt, stocking weekend backpack programs and establishing on-campus food pantries and gardens.
“Thanks to the continued support of our customers and team members, we have now raised nearly $10 million to help local public schools make a difference in their hunger-relief programs,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and strategic partnerships for The Giant Co.
“Whether expanding access to healthy meals, aiding weekend backpack programs or enhancing nutrition infrastructure, our Feeding School Kids initiative strives to ensure that all students eat well so they can learn, play and thrive.”
Between Jan. 1-March 31, customers at Giant, Martin’s and Giant Heirloom Market locations could round up grocery totals or convert loyalty points into donations. The retailer provided an additional $100,000.
Funds remain within the community where they were donated, while the company’s matching portion is distributed based on the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals.
Among the school districts receiving allocations were The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, which was awarded $46,666, and the West Chester Area School District, which received $41,034. Other beneficiaries included school systems in Winchester, Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.
“Giant’s Feeding School Kids program is a valued partner in our mission to provide nutritious meals to every student in our schools,” said Melissa L. Froehlich Green, coordinator of school nutrition services for the North Penn School District.
“Their generosity helps ensure that no child goes without access to healthy food, regardless of their circumstances. This support plays a vital role in promoting student well-being and helping all students succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
The initiative has generated nearly $10 million in total funding since its inception.
Headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, The Giant Co. is a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize USA. The company operates nearly 200 stores with more than 35,000 employees.
[RELATED: The Giant Co. Donates 3K Hams To 14 Hunger-Relief Nonprofits]