Giant Food Makes $2M Donation To Capital Area Food Bank, More

WASHINGTON, DC — Giant Food, a grocery store chain with locations in the DC area, made a donation valued at $2 million to 11 nonprofits, including the Capital Area Food Bank and the Alexandria-based United Way

The donations of toilet paper and hand sanitizer will go to Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, USO-Metro, Donate Delaware, US Dream Academy, Salvation Army, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and United Way. Molly McGlinchy, the Capital Area Food Bank's senior director of Procurement and Direct Programs, noted that toilet paper and hand sanitizer are essential supplies but may be hard to obtain, particularly for people who struggle to afford food.

"Giant's generous donation of these items is making a big difference for thousands of our neighbors in the midst of this incredibly challenging time," said McGlinchy.

"Our nonprofit partners continue to see a high demand for essential supplies such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer as the coronavirus crisis continues to put many under extraordinary pressure," said Ira Kress, President of Giant Food, in a statement. "It's important for us to do all that we can as a neighbor to serve our communities and we are humbled to be able to support our nonprofit partners with monetary and supply donations during this time."

In addition, Giant Food's "Lend a Hand for Hunger" Holiday Program raised over $550,000 for five area food bank partners: Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. All of these food banks are part of the Feeding America network and have seen demand for food increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.