Carlisle, PA Giant Food Stores, LLC today announced it will donate $500,000 to fight hunger throughout its operating area as a result of the company's annual Bag Hunger campaign. During the two-week in-store campaign, September 6 - September 19, customers were asked to donate $1 at the checkout to benefit regional food banks and local pantries. In addition, Giant vendor partners also contributed a total of $135,000 in support of the campaign.
"Our customers, associates and vendors realize the importance of fighting hunger and with their overwhelming support, this year's Bag Hunger campaign was the most successful to date," said Sander van der Laan, president and CEO. "All funds raised at individual stores stay within that local community. This year, the majority of the monies will be used to ensure no one goes without a holiday meal at local food pantries and soup kitchens throughout our market area."
Last year, Giant customers and associates raised $355,731 to help local food banks bag hunger through the annual campaign. This year, more than 85 regional food banks, local pantries and soup kitchens were among those who benefited from this year's campaign.
Major recipient food banks of this year's donations include: § Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, $47,573
§ Philabundance, $41,764
§ Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, $25,415
§ Water Street Rescue Mission (Lancaster), $17,143
§ Greater Berks County Food Bank, $12,886
§ York County Food Bank, $11,939
Editor's Note: For a list of local food banks and pantries in your area, please contact Chris Brand at christopherbrand@aholdusa.com.
Giant Food Stores, LLC, one of the leading supermarket operations in the U.S., currently operates stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia under the names of Giant Food Stores, Martin's Food Markets and Giant To Go. As a company, Giant is proud to work with hundreds of local organizations in the communities it serves and has a long-standing commitment to eradicate hunger and improve the quality of life for children. For more information about Giant Food Stores, visit www.GiantFoodStores.com.
