Origins:
When thousands of families across the Mid-Atlantic region faced unexpected financial uncertainty due to the government shutdown and changes in SNAP policies ahead of the holiday season last year, Giant Food provided meaningful support and help to ensure Thanksgiving remained a time of gathering for families. In partnership with the DC United Foundation, the local retailer provided 1,000 meal kits to furloughed federal workers and those impacted by SNAP changes to help their families enjoy Thanksgiving meals. Each holiday meal included a turkey breast, Giant Food gift card, fresh produce and non-perishable sides. In addition, Giant also partnered with three D.C. premier chefs to provide custom recipes, and spice rubs that were distributed in the holiday kit.
Contribution:
Giant Food, the region’s leading grocer, has long been a community resource and committed partner in the fight against hunger. Each Giant Food store partners with a local community organization to rescue surplus food and distribute fresh produce and meat to those in need year-round, donating the equivalent of over 6 million meals to neighbors so far in 2025 alone. In addition to providing furloughed workers and SNAP recipients with a holiday meal kit, Giant Food provided 7,800 whole turkeys, 7,500 turkey breasts and 4,000 pumpkin pies to neighbors in the region for Thanksgiving, supporting the efforts of all five major Feeding America Food Banks (Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank), and 50 grass root organizations. The company also distributed $25,000 in Giant Food gif cards to first responders and veterans for the holiday.
Objectives:
To help address food insecurity across the Mid-Atlantic region, Giant Food invests in its five food bank partners to provide nutritious food options for community members. The federal shutdown holiday meal giveaway further demonstrated Giant's commitment to being a better neighbor by providing healthy meals and grocery support to individuals and families facing financial hardship ahead of Thanksgiving. Giant Food recognizes its responsibility to uplift its community when they need it the most, and the company demonstrated that commitment through the government shutdown food giveaway. No family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from, especially during the holiday season. By stepping up during a time of need, Giant provided meaningful support that helped families gather around the Thanksgiving table with peace of mind.
Impact:
In 2025, Giant Food and the D.C. United Foundation had hopes to spread holiday cheer and ease the burden on families impacted by the federal government shutdown. The local retailer distributed 1,000 holiday meal kits to furloughed federal workers and SNAP recipients affected by recent changes to their benefits. The objective of the federal shutdown meal giveaway was to demonstrate Giant Food's commitment to being a Better Neighbor in the communities it serves. Through this initiative, the company provided meaningful support to customers and families facing financial hardship during the holiday season. In addition to the 1,000 meal kits, Giant Food donated more than 19,000 Thanksgiving staples, including 7,800 whole turkeys, 7,500 turkey breasts, and 4,000 pumpkin pies, to local Feeding America food banks and community partners across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Quote:
“For nearly 90 years, our community has been at the heart of Giant Food. During times of uncertainty, we remain committed to supporting our neighbors and ensuring that families across our region have access to the food and resources they need.
We are fortunate to have amazing partners like the D.C. United Foundation and the local chefs to ensure that more members of our community can gather and enjoy a delicious meal together.” - President Ira Kress
Support Statement:
“Community is at the heart of who we are as a club and as a city. We were honored to team up with Giant Food and some of D.C.’s most talented chefs to make the holiday season a little brighter for our neighbors. Partnering with organizations that share our love for the District and commitment to service allows us to create meaningful change for families across the DMV.” Shanell Mosley, Executive Director of the D.C. United Foundation
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