Giant customers raise $780,676 for food banks in four states

In recognition of National Hunger Action Month, Giant Food Stores announced that its customers generously raised $780,676 to support local hunger relief efforts during the biannual Bag Hunger campaign. The company’s signature Bag Hunger campaign ran from Aug. 25 through Sept. 7 across all Giant and Martin’s stores.

According to Feeding America, each dollar raised helps provide at least 10 meals, meaning the funds raised during Giant’s Bag Hunger campaign will fund more than 7.8 million meals. Funds raised during the campaign go to more than 100 hunger-relief partners, including food pantries across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Major recipient food banks include Philabundance, Second Harvest Food Bank, Central Pennsylvania

Food Bank, York County Food Bank, State College

Food Bank, ProJeCt of Easton, Maryland Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Since 2008, GIANT’s Bag Hunger fundraising campaigns have raised more than $12 million. well as provide affordable studio space for the Lehigh Valley’s working artists. Each space features a glass and aluminum garage door fronting Maple Street, providing an opportunity for the community to watch these talented individuals at work.

As with the resident artist studios at the Banana Factory, ArtsQuest and City Center Investment Corp. will offer the garages for lease at below-market rates in an effort to support local artists and encourage creative individuals to join the fabric of downtown Allentown’s blossoming arts community.

Artists interested in applying for one of the spaces must submit an application at www.bananafactory .org. Interested applicants must include a resume, artist statement and biography, as well as examples of their work. Applications and additional information are available at www.bananafactory.org.