Giant gives grants to small businesses

The Giant Company announced $500,000 in grants to small businesses in Pennsylvania’s food supply chain, including several in the region.

The Carlisle-based supermarket, which has 21 stores in Montgomery County and 14 stores in Chester County, said Tuesday that it is awarding 110 grants to help the businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Giant said it was initially awarding $250,000 in grants, but doubled it after “an overwhelming response.”

“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, in a statement. “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.”

The 110 recipients span the state and represent multiple areas of the food supply chain including: dairy farms; beef, pork and poultry farms; processors; orchards; produce farms; apiaries; maple syrup producers; artisan cheesemakers; craft breweries, winemakers and cider producers; specialty yogurt, snack, sauce and condiment manufacturers; a coffee roastery and confectioner.

In addition, with grants ranging from $2,500 up to $15,000, 55% of grants awarded are going to PA Preferred companies and special designations (LGBTowned, veteran-owned, womenowned, minority-owned, USDA defined beginner rancher/ farmer, USDA defined socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmer) account for more than half of the grants awarded.

The following companies received grants:

•Asher’s Chocolate Co., Souderton. •Bella Mushroom, Landenberg •Isabelle’s Kitchen Inc., Harleysville. •One Village Coffee, Souderton. •RTZN Brands/Righteous Felon Craft Jerky, West Chester.

•SBK dba Small Batch Kitchen, Harleysville.

Giant worked with Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit devoted to developing relationships between business and industry, the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the state Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association to develop the program.