Giant Food Donated $14.9 Million in 2014

LANDOVER, Md., March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant Food, LLC today announced that its 2014 charitable donations, facilitated by in store campaigns and initiatives, exceeded $14.9 million in combined cash and product donations, including contributions from customers, vendors and associates—an increase from $13 million in 2013. As part of its ongoing better neighbor and responsible retailing efforts, Giant is committed to supporting organizations that help eradicate hunger and improve the quality of life for children throughout the communities it serves.

"Giant is proud to continue our long tradition of supporting the communities we're so privileged to serve," said Gordon Reid, President of Giant Food of Landover, Md. "With the assistance of our customers, associates, and business partners, we have had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of underserved members in our communities, and we plan to continue these efforts in 2015."

Fighting Hunger
As a food retailer, Giant recognizes the important role it can play in hunger relief efforts. In 2014, donations to regional food bank partners and local pantries accounted for 59% or $8.8 million of Giant's overall donations. Of the hunger-related donations, approximately 95% were safe consumable food donations such as bakery items and frozen meat to regional food bank partners. With Giant's Meat the Needs program, the grocer freezes meat that would otherwise go unsold, but is still safe to consume, and donates it to regional food bank partners. In 2014, a total of 354,902 pounds of meat were diverted from landfills and onto the plates of those in need.

Helping Kids
In 2014, Giant customers, associates and vendors also came together to help give hope and create miracles for children throughout its operating area by donating $1.6 million with the Triple Winner Game.  Since its start in 2005, Triple Winner has raised more than $14.7 million for pediatric cancer research and care for Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc.,

Giant is also committed to promoting education through its A+ School Rewards program. More than 2,055 public and private schools received $2 million during the 2013-14 school year to fund scholarship programs, technology equipment and other educational needs. Since A+ School Rewards launched in 1989, more than $90 million has been donated to local schools.

Supporting Communities
In addition to its efforts to fight hunger and help kids, Giant donated more than $180,000 to USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, supporting support members of the military and their families. Giant also committed more than $4 million in contributions to local community groups and various nonprofit organizations throughout its market area, impacting tens of thousands of individuals and families.

About Giant Food of Landover, Md.
Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 168 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 168 stores are 159 full-service pharmacies. Giant opened the first supermarket in the nation's capital on February 6, 1936. Giving back to the community is a cornerstone that was instilled by the founders more than 79 years ago. The company's core areas of giving include hunger, education, health and wellness, and supporting service members and military families. In 2014, Giant's monetary and in-kind contributions exceeded $14.9 million, and the nation's capital grocer helped partners provide more than 88 million meals. For more information on Giant, visit www.giantfood.com.  

SOURCE Giant Food

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