Giant/Martin’s Donates $3M to Schools

Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets have contributed $3 million to 2,057 public and private schools through the Ahold USA banners' "A+ School Rewards" program for the 2013-14 school year. Since the chains launched the program in 2005, more than $19 million has gone to local schools in Giant and Martin’s four-state market area.

A+ School Rewards enables local schools to earn cash for such educational items as technology, scholarships, school programs, field trips and playgrounds. After customers designate certain schools, points accrue with each purchase made using a BonusCard. The 2013-14 program ran from Oct. 6, 2013, through March 22, 2014.

"Thank you to all of our customers and local schools who took a few moments to sign up for our popular school fundraiser and shopped with their BonusCard," said Giant/Martin's President Tom Lenkevich. "Year after year, we are gratified by the strong response. Schools just love what they can do with their A+ School Rewards!"

Top-earning schools included Elmwood Elementary School in Mechanicsburg, Pa., with $25,463; Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, Md., with $16,431; St. Bridget School in Richmond, Va., with $5,661; and Faith Christian Academy in Martinsburg, W.V., with $3,532.

Sister division Giant-Landover has also seen success with the program, which it has offered annually since 1989.

Based in Carlisle, Pa., Giant/Martin's operates almost 200 grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, under the Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets banners. Giant/Martin's employs more than 31,000 associates.