Food insecurity is a complex and multifaceted issue – one that we could not address alone. Giant Eagle’s partnership with the Foodbank is important to us because it amplifies our efforts tenfold and allows us to make a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbors.
--Melinda Gaus, Specialist Lead of Community Partnerships at Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle has been a loyal supporter of the Foodbank for more than 20 years. Through food donations, financial contributions and volunteer support, Giant Eagle continues to make a tremendous impact on the local fight against hunger.
Supporting hunger relief is inherent in the organization’s mission. As part of its Purpose Beyond Profit Statement, Giant Eagle believes access to safe, healthy food is an essential human right.
“Food insecurity is a top priority for Giant Eagle,” said Melinda Gaus, specialist lead of community partnerships. “Given the nature of our business, we are passionate about helping our neighbors have access to high-quality, nutritious food.”
The supermarket focuses its philanthropic efforts on supporting local organizations making a direct and positive impact on communities in their own backyard.
“Our neighbors and communities are at the heart of our business – it is important to us to know that the work we do and organizations we support directly connect to those neighbors,” said Melinda.
Giant Eagle also rallies its cashiers and store associates each year for the Harvest for Hunger Campaign, the Foodbank’s largest fundraising campaign that helps support food distribution all year long. Associates solicit financial donations from customers at checkout throughout the campaign, making Check Out Hunger the leading revenue generator for Harvest for Hunger.
In 2025, store associates at 31 stores across the Foodbank’s eight-county service area collected more than $520,000, helping to provide enough food for nearly 1.6 million meals.
Giant Eagle is also committed to volunteer service, encouraging its staff and associates to visit the Foodbank’s warehouses to volunteer. Last year, the organization contributed 147 hours to help fight local hunger.
Every year, the Foodbank recognizes outstanding volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April, awarding three categories of winners from each campus. Giant Eagle was awarded the Corporate Volunteer Group of the year in 2023 for its efforts.
“Our teams enjoy the opportunity to put the support into practice in a hands-on and meaningful way,” shared Melinda “The ability to see the direct impact of the work and learn through the volunteer experience is also appreciated. I can personally attest to seeing the impact come to life when I volunteered at a drive-thru distribution. Heartfelt gratitude was evident on the faces of the people receiving food.”
The Foodbank is grateful for its steadfast and generous partner, Giant Eagle.