Giant-Carlisle Honored for Community Involvemen
| Giant's Jeff Martin accepts the USO Chairman's Award |
"Whether it's reducing waste, funding the fight against multiple sclerosis, or supporting our local troops and their families, Giant is proud to give back to the communities where we live," said Giant's president and c.e.o., Sander van der Laan. "These national awards recognize the ingenuity of our associates and their dedication, along with the generosity of our customers, to keep our communities healthy and strong."
Giant received the Business Partner in Waste Reduction award from environmental group Keep America Beautiful, in recognition for its work with the Pennsylvania affiliate, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, to reduce waste and enhance public green space.
Last Earth Day, Giant encouraged its customers throughout the state to go green, and as a result over 141,000 reusable grocery bags were sold at Giant stores during April. Giant donated five cents from each bag sold in that month to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Additionally, Giant donated almost 100 park benches made from recycled plastic shopping bags to local parks, schools, and beautification projects in across Pennsylvania.
Giant also garnered the National Multiple Sclerosis Society "Shining Star" Award for its involvement in the fight against MS. Team Giant has been the largest walk team in the country for the fifth straight year, and the company's eight-year support of the organization has raised more than $4 million.
Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey bestowed its Chairman's Award, in recognition of exceptional and sustained support for the morale, welfare, and special needs of local members of the armed forces and their families, upon Giant in October. For the past four years, the company has run an annual Support Our Troops campaign, which benefits regional USOs. In 2008 customers donated $200,000, the largest contribution so far. Since the inception of the program, Giant customers have donated over $620,000.
Giant Food Stores, LLC operates stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia under the Giant Food Stores, Martin's Food Markets and FoodSource banners.