Giant/Martin’s launches hunger campaign

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets launched a campaign to “Bag Hunger” in honor of September’s Hunger Action Month.

Giant and Martin’s customers can donate $1 in the checkout aisle for the in-store campaign, from Sept. 6 to 19. Another hunger-fighting campaign held earlier this year raised $640,297 for local hunger relief efforts, according to the company.

“The fight against hunger is an everyday battle, and for most it hits too close to home as many families and children go without a meal,” Tom Lenkevich, Giant/Martin’s president, said. “We’re so proud that our customers take action with us as we combat hunger every September during Hunger Action Month. Together we can win the fight against hunger in our communities.”

Giant/Martin’s has also helped regional food banks through its Meat the Needs program, which has provided more than 3 million pounds of meat that would otherwise go unsold to hungry Americans.

In 2014, hunger relief efforts consisted of 45% of Giant/Martin’s community giving, with more than 100 regional food banks and local pantries receiving $12.2 million in product, customer, vendor and corporate donations, the company said.