A $30,000 Valentine surprise for 11 organizations that help those in need

As part of its “Feeding Our Neighbors Every Day” campaign, yesterday GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN’S Food Markets surprised 11 food banks and hunger relief organizations in three states with a special valentine of $30,500 in gift cards.

The “Feeding Our Neighbors Every Day” campaign features a call to action to other businesses and individuals to join GIANT/MARTIN’S in helping to feed its neighbors throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

“By being a better neighbor, we donate all year long to organizations so we can eradicate hunger in our local communities,” said Tom Lenkevich, GIANT/MARTIN’S president. “Many hunger relief organizations have already utilized holiday donations and mid-winter is when they are in need of restocking many essential items to help those in need during the coldest months of the year. We encourage you to do what you can to fight hunger in your own local community.”

Organizations received Valentine-themed boxes of gift cards on Wednesday. Feb.10 so they could plan to purchase additional products to fill their pantries and food banks making Valentine’s Day a little more special for those in need.

Recipient organizations included:

• Bethesda Mission, Harrisburg, PA
• Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Verona, VA
• Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties, Carlisle, PA
• FeedMore, Richmond, VA
• Greater Berks Food Bank, Reading, PA
• Maryland Food Bank, Baltimore, MD
• Ronald McDonald House, Hershey, PA
• Safe Harbour – Carlisle, PA
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, Nazareth, PA
• SHARE Food Program, Philadelphia, PA
• Water Street Rescue Mission, Lancaster, PA

During GIANT/MARTIN’S “Feeding Our Neighbors Every Day” 2015 holiday campaign, more than $90,000 in turkeys and cash was donated to seven regional food banks and local hunger organizations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.