HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Washington County Public Schools were the benefactor of $22,000 from the The GIANT Company, known locally as GIANT and MARTIN’S, as part of its Feeding School Kids initiative. The stores, in partnership with its customers, raised more than $1.2 million to address food insecurity in local school districts throughout the communities it serves.
“Thanks to the continued support of our customers and team members, we have now raised nearly $10 million to help local public schools make a difference in their hunger relief programs,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and strategic partnerships, The GIANT Company.
“Whether expanding access to healthy meals, aiding weekend backpack programs or enhancing nutrition infrastructure, our Feeding School Kids initiative strives to ensure that all students eat well so they can learn, play and thrive.”
From Jan. 1 through March 31, customers at GIANT, MARTIN’S and GIANT Heirloom Market stores were invited to round up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar or convert their CHOICE points into a donation to support their local public school districts’ food programs.
The GIANT Company also donated $100,000. Through Feeding School Kids, public school districts have been able to support meal programs and address food insecurity from supplying backpacks with weekend food to clearing outstanding student lunch debt to building on-campus food pantries and establishing garden programs.
“GIANT’S Feeding School Kids program is a valued partner in our mission to provide nutritious meals to every student in our schools,” said Melissa L. Froehlich Green, coordinator of school nutrition services, North Penn School District. “Their generosity helps ensure that no child goes without access to healthy food, regardless of their circumstances. This support plays a vital role in promoting student well-being and helping all students succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
The other nine public school districts receiving funds from the Feeding School Kids initiative include:
- Berkeley County School District – Martinsburg, W. Va – $16,805
- Central Bucks School District – Doylestown, Pa. – $18,857
- Central Dauphin School District – Harrisburg, Pa. – $18,212
- Frederick County Public Schools – Winchester, Va. – $23,116
- North Penn School District – Lansdale, Pa. – $20,946
- State College Area School District – State College, Pa. – $19,249
- The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pa. – $46,666
- West Chester Area School District – Exton, Pa. – $41,034
- Winchester City Public School District – Winchester, Va. – $17,206
Fund donated by customers benefited the local public school district in the community in which they were given. The GIANT Company’s matching funds were awarded based on need, as determined by the percentage of students in the district who receive free or reduced meals.
