Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food is celebrating 85 years in business this year. Commemorating the retailer’s deep ties to the local community, Giant associates are volunteering on Friday, Feb. 5, to support local partner nonprofits Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware and Martha’s Table, helping pack food for people who are struggling with hunger.
“Reflecting on our 85th year is even more poignant knowing that our Giant Food family and our communities faced unprecedented challenges in 2020,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. “I am proud that our legacy of community service continued and that our team never wavered in our commitment and service to our customers and to helping those in need.”
With the help of the entire Giant family and its customers, the company will donate more than $5 million in monetary support to its local nonprofit and organization partners throughout this year.
Giant announced a total donation of $960,000 through the Giant Family Foundation to be distributed to its five Feeding America food bank partners: Capital Area Food Bank; Maryland Food Bank; Food Bank of Delaware; Blue Ridge Area Food Bank; and Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, as well as Martha’s Table, to support the chain’s initiatives in addressing child hunger. An additional $100,000 will be donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors to support military families that have recently lost a loved one in service.
In terms of health and wellness initiatives, Giant’s team of expert in-store nutritionists offers a range of nutrition services for associates and customers including personalized online consultations, virtual nutrition classes, digital resources and virtual challenges to offer ways to stay active and healthy while at home.
In addition, Giant has continued to make food and essential products available in-store or online in the pandemic through Giant Pickup and Giant Delivers. The company is expanding pickup locations and delivery services to more communities as it navigates the needs of customers right now.
As one of the first retail locations in Washington, D.C., to help play a critical role in administering the COVID-19 vaccine for essential healthcare workers, the chain’s in-store pharmacists have worked to maximize access to the vaccine quickly and efficiently. The chain is currently working closely with local city and state health departments to support vaccine rollout in specific stores throughout its region.
“As we extend our hands and hearts into many different initiatives and programs year over year, we have proudly remained at the center of our communities and hope to continue to remain a trusted leader for our convenience, integrity, quality, and service in our exciting 85th year and beyond,” Kress said.
Giant has also recently expanded its sales and merchandising operations at its Prince George’s County headquarters, adding 31,000 square feet and creating 70 new jobs.
Giant Food began in 1936 when founders N.H. Cohen and Sam Lehrman opened Washington D.C.’s first grocery store. Today, Giant operates 164 stores, 153 full-service pharmacies, 82 full-service PNC Banks and 24 Starbucks locations in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
