Hunger Action Month events include Bag Hunger campaign and Unilever partnership to feed families in local communities

In recognition of Hunger Action Month this September, GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN’S Food Markets are asking customers to join them in the fight against hunger in the local communities the grocers serve. Throughout the month, GIANT/MARTIN’S-sponsored food drives and hunger awareness initiatives will support regional Feeding America food banks including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Philabundance; Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley; FeedMore – Central Virginia Food Bank; Food Bank of Western Maryland; Greater Berks County Food Bank; Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster; Food Resources of Washington County, Maryland; and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in Virginia.

“While Hunger Action Month is a time to raise both funds and awareness for local food banks, it’s important to remember that there is a need every month of the year,” said John MacDonald, director of marketing and external communications. “Too many in our local communities go hungry, which is why as part of our ongoing better neighbor efforts, GIANT/MARTIN’S remains committed to the fight against hunger through the donation of food, funds, and volunteer time.”

Running August 31 – September 13 is GIANT/MARTIN’S annual Bag Hunger in-store campaign where customers have an opportunity to donate $1 at the checkout to benefit their local food bank. Those who donate will receive a free Unilever product coupon book. A similar campaign held earlier this year raised a record-breaking $607,035 in support of local hunger relief efforts.

Also in partnership with Unilever, GIANT/MARTIN’S is hosting a Stuff-A-Truck event at its Havertown, PA store located at 116 Township Line Road on September 6, from

10 AM – 2 PM. Help stuff your local food bank truck to the brim by delivering canned and nonperishable food items in support of Hunger Action Month. In addition, for each flu shot GIANT/MARTIN’S pharmacies administer this year, Unilever will donate three meals to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity.

Recognizing that high quality protein is most in need by hungry families, GIANT/MARTIN’S innovative “Meat the Needs” frozen meat donation program has donated more than three million pounds of meat that would otherwise go unsold to its regional food bank partners since 2010.

In 2013, hunger relief efforts and donations to regional food banks accounted for approximately 40% of GIANT/MARTIN’S community giving with over 100 regional food banks and local pantries receiving $10 million in product, customer, vendor, and corporate donations.

To learn more about the partnership between GIANT/MARTIN’S and Unilever to combat hunger, visit www.feedourfamilies.org.