The Giant Co. awards $500,000 to nonprofits

CARLISLE — The Giant Co.’s months-long celebration of its 100th anniversary culminated with 20 nonprofits being awarded a total of $500,000.

The awards were part of Giant’s Make a Difference Challenge, designed to honor The grocery chain’s legacy of giving back by supporting non-profit organizations whose work has a “direct impact on creating a future that promotes healthier people and a healthier planet.”

The recipients includes three organizations from Chester and Montgomery counties:

• Chipping Hill Micro Farms, Blue Bell
• Martha’s Choice Marketplace at Catholic Social Services, East Norriton Township
• West Chester Area Senior Center, West Chester

“Our community partners have always played a crucial role in making a difference in the local communities The Giant Co. has served for the past 100 years,” John Ruane, president, The Giant Co., said in a statement. “To recognize and to help move their projects forward is truly an honor, as together, we can help create healthier communities. Congratulations to the Make a Difference Challenge recipients, we can’t wait to see your aspirations become reality.”

The challenge was launched in early July with an invitation to nonprofits to submit proposals outlining how their programs enhance their communities and the lives of those they serve.

More than 75 nonprofit organizations located within the Giant Co.’s geographic footprint submitted proposals. After a review by a panel of judges, 10 finalists and 10 wildcards were selected. The final monetary awards were determined from a mix of online voting and live presentations to a panel of judges.

Public voting wrapped up on Oct. 2, and the awards event was held Oct. 4. The grant awards ranged from $9,000 to $54,000.

Martha’s Choice Marketplace was awarded $21,250, while West Chester Senior Center was awarded $14,000. During the Oct. 4 live event, several honorary awards were presented. One of those awards was the People’s Choice Award — selected by the live audience — and awarded to Chipping Hill Micro Farms. The organization was awarded $29,000.

Nineteen Pennsylvania organizations were recognized and one from Virginia.

The Giant Co. serves customers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey. More than 35,000 employees support 193 stores, 133 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and more than 180 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes.