Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Co. made a $1 million donation to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in support of its new Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability.
The center will be focused on sustainability and localized sourcing through high-tech food and agriculture.
The gift was announced at the 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show by The Giant Co. President Nicholas Bertram, Harrisburg University President Dr. Eric Darr and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
“Doing the right thing for our planet is a huge responsibility and also a huge opportunity,” said Bertram.
“A more sustainable shopping basket helps reduce carbon emission, improve soil health, mitigate deforestation and increase biodiversity, which in turn will heal our planet. We can’t do it alone which is why The Giant Co. is proud to partner with experts like the faculty and students at Harrisburg University to support a sustainable food future,” he said.
The Giant Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability at Harrisburg University, a 23,000-square-foot site in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, will make cutting edge research, education, career pathing in sustainability, controlled environment agriculture and clean water initiatives possible.
The new center is convening an international network of engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to bring new applied research programs and agricultural technologies to the Commonwealth. A groundbreaking on the new facility is slated for later this year.
“The Giant Company’s transformative gift will enable Harrisburg University students and faculty to become a national leader in developing advanced agriculture and sustainability solutions,” said Darr.
“The Giant Company’s commitment to Harrisburg University’s Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability is strengthening our agriculture and food system, and in return, benefitting both Pennsylvania farmers and consumers,” Redding said.
As part of The Giant Co.’s focus on environmentally friendly initiatives from the farm to its stores, and ultimately to customers’ tables, the grocer announced last year a partnership with Rodale Institute in support of ecologically safe farming, sustainable retailing and efforts to eliminate hunger. For more information on The Giant Co.’s Healing Our Planet commitment, visit giantfoodstores.com/pages/our-purpose.
The Giant Co. operates stores across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and New Jersey.
The Giant Co. family of brands includes Giant, Martin’s, Giant Heirloom Market, Giant Direct and Martin’s Direct. The Giant Co. is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA.
