by Food Trade News Team
The GIANT Company announced that in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the Carlisle-based grocer will fund “shovel-ready” projects focused on native trees and plantings.
“By joining with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, we have helped to plant more than 8,500 trees and shrubs in local communities throughout the Commonwealth in recent years,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and strategic partnerships, The GIANT Company.
The GIANT Company works with approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas like eliminating hunger, kids’ health and education, and wellbeing, throughout its core Pennsylvania market, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. .Â
The company has been targeting sustainability, in connection with Arbor Day, relaunching its “Healing the Planet” grant program with $100,000 earmarked for community planting projects across Pennsylvania.
Grants of up to $4,000 are available to nonprofits, schools, and local governments, with applications open through May 21 via the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to plants native to Pennsylvania, equipment, educational signage, tools, and supplies. Preference will be given to applications that aim to plant the highest quantity of native plants. Awardees will be announced in June.
The grants program is now in its sixth year. Over that stretch, the retailer has helped fund more than $1.3 million in projects statewide, supporting everything from tree planting and green space restoration to food waste reduction initiatives.Â
“Planting native trees and plants is one of the most meaningful ways communities can improve their environment while strengthening neighborhood pride,” said Heidi Pedicone, director of programs at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “These plantings support local wildlife, improve quality of life, and contribute to cleaner, safer public spaces. We’re proud to continue this work alongside GIANT. Their commitment helps creates visible improvements in communities across Pennsylvania.”
Programs like this are great for the environment but there are real benefits for the company as well: creating welcoming spaces for customers, reducing waste and giving back to the communities they serve.
