Leaders in the industry are continuing to step up to help their communities in their time of need. The GIANT Company recently announced it is doubling the amount of funding for its emergency grant program to $500,000, in which it will award 110 grants to local small businesses.
“Reviewing more than 500 applications from small businesses across the Commonwealth confirmed what we knew in our hearts: that the pandemic is having a devastating impact on our small business community,” said Nicholas Bertram, President, The GIANT Company. “We’re inspired by the strength and stories of these local businesses that, in many cases, have been serving our communities for generations. As a company focused on connecting families for a better future, doubling the funding to $500,000 was an easy decision because it meant we could provide more hope and help to these hard-working families and let them know that they are not alone.”
According to a press release, the grants range in dollar amounts from $2,500 up to $15,000. The 110 recipients span the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and represent multiple areas of the food supply chain, such as dairy farms; beef, pork, and poultry farms; processors; artisan cheesemakers; craft breweries, winemakers and cider producers; and specialty yogurt, snack, sauce and condiment manufacturers.
Fifty-five percent of the grants awarded are going to PA Preferred® companies and special designations, such as:
“Our team was honored to work together with GIANT to truly make a difference for small businesses in the Commonwealth as they answer the call to feed fellow Pennsylvanians,” said Ryan Unger, President and CEO of Team Pennsylvania, GIANT’s partner in the program. “Reading through the applications, it is crystal clear that we all need to find ways to support these critical cogs in our agricultural supply chain. Their experiences will inform us as we work with our economic development and public sector partners to reopen and recover.”
In addition to Team Pennsylvania, The GIANT Company also partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Chamber, and Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association to develop the program.
The GIANT Company’s support during these critical times does not go unnoticed, and we at Deli Market News would like to thank every company that has contributed thus far in keeping our industry moving.
Keep a tab open for DMN as we cover the latest in retail.
