In celebration of Earth Day and its commitment to healing the planet, The GIANT Company announced a new $250,000 grant program designed to support projects that build on environmental stewardship by connecting families with community green spaces.

Developed in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, The GIANT Company’s Healing the Planet Grant Program will begin accepting online applications June 1.

The deadline for applications is June 30.

“Our latest grant program combines two of The GIANT Company’s key values – healing our planet and connecting families,” said Jessica Groves, manager of social impact, The GIANT Company. “By partnering with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, we can help inspire action in our local communities to increase access to and improve community green spaces and support environmental restoration efforts. No matter how big or how small, we can’t wait for these projects to come to life, make a difference for our planet and provide families an opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors together.”

Eligible projects must be located in The GIANT Company’s operating areas within Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia.

Projects could include park improvements, park builds, watershed restoration, recycling, beautification and greening, community gardens, farmers markets, vacant lot restoration, outdoor classrooms, and tree plantings.

A total of $250,000 in funding is available, with grants ranging from $2,500- $25,000. Awardees will be announced late summer.

“People have flocked to the outdoors amid the novel coronavirus restrictions. Our natural and shared green spaces have been invaluable to our physical and mental health during these extraordinary times. Outdoor space significantly benefits communities by enhancing quality of life and promoting healthy lifestyles,” said Shannon Reiter, president, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We are honored to partner with The GIANT Company to make grants available to agencies and organizations who may have seen funding redirected in response to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to being a part of increased and improved access to the great outdoors.”

For all the details, visit KPB’s Healing the Planet Grant Program webpage.

Free Recycled Plastic Benches

The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful also announced that they have distributed 20 free benches, made of recycled plastic bags, to community organizations.

Customers can recycle plastic bags at any GIANT or MARTIN’S location. It takes about 10,000 plastic bags to make one park bench.

Since 2001, more than 1,800 benches have been donated to local fire departments, churches, schools, townships, parks, and playgrounds.

To request a bench, visit GIANT’s Donations webpage.

Tree Plantings

In addition, to commemorate Earth Day 2021 tomorrow, the two organizations are hosting a tree planting and park clean up event in Philadelphia. Volunteers from both organizations will spend the morning cleaning up Pennypack Park, a 65-acre park located in the northeast section of the city.

Support For Groups

Customers can also get involved in supporting organizations that are focused on environmentally friendly initiatives.

Now through May 31, customers can round up their purchase at any GIANT, MARTIN’S or GIANT Heirloom Market store at checkout. Funds donated through round up will benefit Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Planet Bee Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on driving awareness for pollinators in local communities, and Rodale Institute, the leading voice in developing solutions for the regenerative organic movement.

As part of The GIANT Company’s healing the planet initiative, the company is committed to plastic bag recycling and plastic reduction efforts, zero-waste initiatives, a solar field and bee pollinator habitat, energy-efficient fixtures in-stores, and sustainably sourced seafood, coffee and tea.

To learn more, visit GIANT’s Community webpage.

Visit The GIANT Company’s Healing the Planet Grant Program webpage for more information.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.

The 2021 Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative will be held from March 1 through May 31.  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Keep PA Beautiful helps mobilize over 100,000 volunteers a year to pick up litter, clean up illegal dumping and beautify Pennsylvania.

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[Posted: April 22, 2021]

4/26/2021