Giant Co. Acts to Protect Nation’s Water Resources

To help protect the nation’s water resources, The Giant Co., an Ahold Delhaize USA company, announced that this year’s Healing the Planet grant program, in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, will award $300,000 to projects aimed at improving the health and quality of waterways.

The 2022 Healing the Planet grant program is accepting online applications now through April 28 via the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Eligible projects—examples of such include stream health and water quality monitoring activities; marine debris removal; and storm water/MS4 education initiatives—must be in areas where The Giant Co. operates stores within Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia.

A total of $300,000 in funding is available, with grants to be awarded at the $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 funding levels. Awardees will be announced in June. 

“The health of our local waterways is intimately connected to the overall health of our communities. Our waterways provide recreation, impact our economy, connect us to neighborhoods and to each other. Healthy waterways are vital to thriving, successful communities,” said Shannon Reiter, president, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Last year, 42 recipients received more than $500,000 in funding through the Healing the Planet grant program in support of projects that aimed to build environmental stewardship by connecting people and families to community green spaces, supporting environmental efforts and building community gardens. 

“Last year’s grant recipients demonstrated that no matter how big or how small a project may be, you can make a difference in healing our planet,” said Jessica Groves, community impact manager of The Giant Co.

The grant program is just one extension of Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant Co.’s commitment to a greener planet. Its other efforts include plastic bag recycling and plastic reduction, zero-waste initiatives, a solar field and bee pollinator habitat, energy-efficient fixtures in-stores, and sustainably sourced seafood, coffee and tea.

And now through May 31, customers can support The Giant Co.’s initiatives by rounding up their purchase at any Giant, Martin’s or Giant Heirloom Market store at checkout. Funds donated through round up will benefit Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful; Planet Bee Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on driving awareness for pollinators in local communities; and Rodale Institute, a voice in developing solutions for the regenerative organic movement. 

The Giant Co.​ has more than 35,000 team members supporting 190 stores, 132 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations and over 175 online pickup hubs.