Giant-Landover Aids Military Families

Giant Food LLC and the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) have joined forces to support military families across the D.C. region. During the month of March, the Ahold USA division will host an in-store giving campaign asking for both monetary and food donations to benefit USO-Metro. The aim of the initiative, which runs at all of the chain’s locations through March 31, is to establish establish a USO food pantry and fund other programs undertaken by the organization.

Customers can help military families by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their grocery bills at checkout. Further, each local Giant offers a collection bin in which shoppers can place nonperishable food items.

“At Giant, we’re honored and excited to be celebrating our 75th anniversary over the course of 2011,” said Jamie Miller, public and community relations manager for Landover, Md.-based Giant. “During March, we’ll celebrate the 1940s and Giant milestones, as well as reflect on historic events, including World War II. We’ll salute our veterans as well as those who currently serve.”

To pay tribute the era and those who fought during it, the chain will present “Canteen Nights” at select stores on March 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The events, co-hosted by Giant and the USO-Metro, will evoke a World War II-era canteen and feature dancing, coffee and doughnuts.

“The continued generosity of the community makes it possible for USO-Metro to serve the troops and their families,” noted Elaine Rogers, president and CEO of USO-Metro. Throughout our 70-year history, the USO of Metropolitan Washington has been committed to serving the troops when they need us the most. Establishing a USO food pantry will help grow our emergency services to support military families.”

Among the nonperishable food items particularly needed for the pantry are canned fruits and vegetables, 100 percent fruit juice, soup, peanut butter, pasta, and granola bars. A complete list of food essentials is available at www.GiantFood.com.

Giant operates 178 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs about 22,000 associates. Included within the 178 stores are 163 full-service pharmacies.