Giant Food launches Good Neighbor Food and Funds Drive

Giant Food of Landover, Md., launched its 26th annual Good Neighbor Food and Funds Drive Nov. 1 to help stock the shelves of five regional food banks this holiday season. The hunger relief program gives customers the opportunity to help individuals and families in need by making a monetary contribution or donating nonperishable food items at their neighborhood Giant Food.

Giant has set a goal to raise $300,000 for food bank partners including the Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, and the Food Bank of Delaware. The Good Neighbor Food and Funds Drive will take place in all 169 Giant Food locations through Nov. 28.

“As the nation’s capitol grocer, Giant associates take special pride in the Good Neighbor Food and Funds Drive that has helped make a difference for our food insecure neighbors in the region,” said Jamie Miller, manager, public and community relations, Giant Food of Landover, Md. “We and our customers take pride in helping alleviate hunger throughout the community. When it comes to helping thousands of folks keep food on their tables, I am confident we at Giant and our community will reach our $300,000 goal.”

The Good Neighbor program makes it easy for Giant customers to support their local food bank by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their grocery bill during checkout. Also, each Giant store will have a collection cart where customers can donate nonperishable food items. Some of the food banks’ most-needed items include canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, rice, dry beans, dry cereal and oatmeal, canned fruits and vegetables, and 100 percent fruit juice. Customers who donate $5 at Baltimore-area stores will receive a special Ravens tailgating bag, and those who make a $5 donation at all other stores will receive a Giant reusable bag. Both food and monetary donations help feed thousands of community members.

The Good Neighbor Food and Funds Drive is the first of several Giant initiatives to help alleviate hunger in the region this holiday season. The 13th annual Giant Stuff-A-Truck will take place at four Washington-area stores Friday, Dec. 13, to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. For more information, go to http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/stuff-a-truck.