On Tuesday, Carlisle, Pa.-based The Giant Company announced it, and its customers, had raised more than $1.46 million to support three agricultural sustainability initiatives.
The funding will support Rodale Institute, Planet Bee Foundation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the company said. Over the past three years, the company and its customers have raised more than $5.6 million for climate science research that will strengthen food system sustainability practices.
In celebration, John Ruane, The Giant Company’s interim president, presented Rodale Institute of Kutztown, Pa., with a check for $850,092 Tuesday. Since 2021, the Giant Company has partnered with Rodale Institute and its 386-acre farm to support initiatives around farmer training and mentorship, organic farm transition consulting and soil health research.
“Investing in efforts to create a more sustainable food system is critical to our purpose of connecting families for a better future,” Ruane said. “The GIANT Company’s Healing Our Planet campaign is an inclusive approach to building healthy, sustainable, and food secure communities for all. Thanks to our customers and partners like Rodale Institute, we are turning dollars into actionable change, creating a stronger, healthier tomorrow.”
The company raised the funds between March 1 and May 31 by allowing Giant, Martin’s and Giant Heirloom Market store customers to round up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar, or to convert their loyalty reward points into a donation to support the program’s partners.
“Change in our food system starts with consumers, and this investment in our global nonprofit signals the public’s demand for a shift to regenerative organic farming,” Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach, CEO said. “This generous funding from The GIANT Company and its customers will support the Institute’s groundbreaking research and assist first-generation, veteran, and transitioning farmers as they seek to build regenerative organic agricultural businesses.”