The Giant Co. commits nearly $600K to fund mobile food pantry

The Giant Co. is tackling food insecurity by hitting the road.

The Pennsylvania-based grocer is partnering with health care organization Geisinger and Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) to pilot a mobile food pantry that will serve food-insecure people living in Pennsylvania’s Central Susquehanna Valley.

The regional supermarket is committing $597,000 to fund the mobile pantry, including a donation of $325,000 this year in honor of the grocer’s 100th anniversary to cover startup costs for the initiative.

“We’re grateful to The Giant Co. and CSO for their collaboration in bringing healthy food to underserved communities,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Geisinger’s chief philanthropy officer, in a statement. “It’s a privilege to work with community leaders who share our values as we contribute to healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.”

Slated to launch early next year, the mobile food pantry aims to provide fresh, healthy food to 75 households in its first year.

“Reducing food insecurity, increasing access to healthy foods and promoting nutrition is a priority for The Giant Co.,” said Nick Koch, head of wellbeing at The Giant Co. “When Geisinger approached us with their idea for a mobile food pantry to help address these issues in their community, we knew we wanted to be a part of it. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this life-changing program will have on families across the central Susquehanna Valley.”

Earlier this week the Ahold Delhaize USA banner announced plans to continue its home-state footprint expansion. The Pennsylvania-based retailer is expected to begin construction in 2025 on a nearly 68,000-square-foot grocery store to be located in Salisbury Township in Allentown, Pennsylvania.