Giant Food Hosts BBQ Battle; ShopRite Streams 'At Home' Sports Camps

For the 28th year in a row, Giant Food's annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle will be firing up grills throughout the month of June. But because of the public health risks posed by COVID-19, the big barbecuing event will be hosted virtually.

The greater Washington, D.C., regional grocery chain says that the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle draws hordes of people to celebrate food, fun and summer, with its proceeds benefitting the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore and the local Capital Area Food Bank.  

"The annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is a tradition that we look forward to every year, with over 100,000 visitors gathering together," said Ira Kress, interim president of Giant Food. "With the change in what this new normal looks like, our team was committed to finding a way to maintain all that while creating a truly unique virtual experience we can all take part in, safely from home."

Among the activities are live cooking contests and the "Taste of Giant," with its demonstrations of grilling tips and techniques by BBQ legends Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone and Moe Cason. For those who are more into what beverages to enjoy, there's the "Giant Corks to Caps" experience that features tips and pairing techniques for wine and beer enthusiasts. There's also a BBQ Battle of the Bands event, and activities for kids through the Giant Kids Zone.

ShopRite, Procter & Gamble Partner With ProCamps 

Wakefern Food Corp.'s ShopRite stores have teamed up with Proctor & Gamble to give kids something more to do while at home. The two companies partnered with ProCamps, an event management and sports marketing company that specializes in operating camps and public events that feature pro athletes and sports themes. 

Children across the country are invited to join in and view online classes with top athletes such as New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate, Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius and U.S. Women's National Team soccer star Christie Pearce Rampone.

The professional football, baseball and soccer players will connect with children during the virtual lessons, which will include physical fitness tips, a fun pop quiz on history and science, and the opportunity for participants to ask their teacher-athlete questions. The first session (with Tate) starts May 12 and all classes will be streamed live.