Giant Food Stores, Martin's Food Markets announces food drive initiatives

CARLISLE, Pa. — In recognition of Hunger Action Month this September, Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets are asking customers to join them in the fight against hunger in the local communities the grocers serve. Throughout the month, Giant/Martin's-sponsored food drives and hunger awareness initiatives will support regional Feeding America food banks, including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Philabundance, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, FeedMore, Central Virginia Food Bank, Food Bank of Western Maryland, Greater Berks County Food Bank, Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster, Food Resources of Washington County, Md., and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in Virginia.

 

“While Hunger Action Month is a time to raise both funds and awareness for local food banks, it’s important to remember that there is a need every month of the year,” said John MacDonald, director of marketing and external communications. “Too many in our local communities go hungry, which is why as part of our ongoing better neighbor efforts, Giant/Martin's remains committed to the fight against hunger through the donation of food, funds and volunteer time.”

 

Running Aug. 31 through Sept. 13 is Giant/Martin's annual Bag Hunger in-store campaign, in which customers have an opportunity to donate $1 at the checkout to benefit their local food bank. Those who donate will receive a free Unilever product coupon book. A similar campaign held earlier this year raised a record-breaking $607,035 in support of local hunger relief efforts.

 

Also in partnership with Unilever, Giant/Martin's is hosting a Stuff-A-Truck event at its Havertown, Pa., store on Sept. 6. 

 

In addition, for each flu shot Giant/Martin's pharmacies administer this year, Unilever will donate three meals to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity.

 

Recognizing that high quality protein is most in need by hungry families, Giant/Martin's “Meat the Needs” frozen meat donation program has donated more than three million pounds of meat that would otherwise go unsold to its regional food bank partners since 2010.

 

In 2013, hunger relief efforts and donations to regional food banks accounted for approximately 40% of Giant/Martin's community giving with more than 100 regional food banks and local pantries receiving $10 million in product, customer, vendor and corporate donations.