The Giant Co. to donate 10,000 bags of food, school supplies

CARLISLE — The Giant Co. is partnering with 36 community organizations this month to pack and distribute bags filled with food, hygiene products and school supplies — providing kids with needed weekend meals and supplies as they head back-to-school.

In total, Giant and Martin’s team members, working with volunteers from the organizations, will pack and distribute 10,000 bags by Sept. 1, according to a press release.

“The Giant Co. believes everyone — especially our youngest minds — deserve access to food to reach their fullest potential, which is why we continue to take actionable steps to help eliminate hunger in our local communities,” Jessica Groves, manager, community impact, The Giant Co., said in a statement. “Research shows children have a hard time focusing on academics when they are hungry, so we are doing our part to help kids go back to school with the food and supplies they need to begin the school year with a fresh start.”

Each bag includes non-perishable food items such as cereal, trail mix, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, and applesauce, as well as school supplies including notebook, pencils, crayons, and glue sticks. Each bag also includes personal hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, laundry detergent and deodorant.

The Giant Co.’s donation is part of its 100th anniversary celebration efforts, which honors team members, customers, and the communities it serves. Building on its century-long commitment to grow strong, healthy communities, philanthropy is a cornerstone of the company’s anniversary celebration, the company said in the release.

Headquartered in Carlisle, the Giant Co., serves millions of neighbors across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey through 193 stores, 132 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and more than 180 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes.