LANDOVER, MD - After over a year of the pandemic, retailers and shoppers are starting to re-emerge and interact. Throughout this time, retailers like Giant Food are taking the initiative to give back to their community and workers as not only a token of their appreciation but to also push the industry and country forward. Recently, Giant Food released its first Better Neighbor Report, a comprehensive account of its over $6.3 million in giving, partnerships, and innovation in 2020 as part of its efforts to consistently be a Better Place to Shop, a Better Place to Work, and a Better Neighbor to the individuals and communities it serves.

“As we look back at not only the difficult past year but Giant’s entire 85-year history, we continue to recognize the responsibility we have to our associates, customers, partners, and communities,” said Ira Kress, President of Giant Food. “This report is not only a reflection of 2020’s efforts but also a promise to our customers that we will continue to earn their trust and loyalty each and every day.”

Included within the report are details of Giant’s initiatives and work in serving customers, associates, and communities. Highlights from the report include:

Better Neighbor

• 4,025,241 pounds of food donated to individuals and communities
• $5.16+ million donated to Giant’s Feeding America Food Bank partners, the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, the Pediatric Cancer Campaign, regional nonprofits and local HBCUs to support racial equality, and through the Giant Family Foundation
• 90 trees planted and 560 feet of streams protected through the Clean Water Partnership
• 100 percent free Volta EV charging stations offered at 20 stores and counting, contributing to over 16,000 free miles and the offset of over 7,000 pounds of vehicle emissions

Better Place to Shop

• Offered over 800 free healthy living classes and 660 personalized consultations to support nutrition education
• Expanded inclusive network of suppliers to 218 diverse suppliers offering over 3,100 products
• Partnered with over 125 local vendors including more than 50 local farmers to offer over 500 local products and growing
• Raised $1+ million for COVID-19 relief efforts, designated to John Hopkins University to support patient care and research, and local food banks and nonprofits to support community members in need

Better Place to Work

• Aligned with Business Resource Groups including PRIDE, Women’s Inclusive Network, Giant Veterans, Giant Food Corporate Council, and THRIVE
• Received 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for two consecutive years for efforts in LBGTQ+ workplace equality
• Named one of The Washington Post’s Top Places to Work
• Dedicated over $139,000 in education scholarships and grants for associates
• Issued 38 awards of excellence for top performance and leadership; 66 Presidential Awards for Top Values in Motion winners; celebrated four Top Women in Grocery award recipients, and six Women of Influence winners

Giant Food has also strived to meet immediate public health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release, Giant has been offering essential COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible residents since December, administered by Giant’s licensed in-store pharmacists. In March of this year, Giant expanded its services, and now all 152 of its in-store pharmacies throughout the region are offering the vaccines.

To learn more about Giant Food’s Better Neighbor Report, click here.

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