Dive Brief:
- Ahold Delhaize USA has announced it will donate $10 million to support coronavirus relief efforts among its banners, according to a company press release.
- About $2 million will be dedicated to funding help employees and their families in times of need, and $1.5 million will be donated to help fund medical research for a COVID-19 vaccine and cure.
- Another $3.5 million will be donated to help feed communities on the East Coast, with Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company and Hannaford contributing their own funds as well. In addition, $3 million has already been distributed through local banners’ efforts to support local food banks, children’s hospitals and hunger relief among children and seniors.
Dive Insight:
After addressing essential needs within their own brick-and-mortar stores, retailers are now turning to providing economic support to their communities to as they continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizations that will benefit from Ahold Delhaize’s donation include Feeding America, Penn State Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins University and regional food banks.
Ahold Delhaize USA CEO Kevin Holt said in a statement that the company is inspired by the selflessness of medical professionals and first responders, as well as compassion and commitment demonstrated by its own employees and people around the world.
Other retailers have stepped up to donate funds and support COVID-19 relief efforts to ensure local economies remain as strong as possible. Amazon recently raised $2.7 million in donations through a live charity stream, and Target is donating millions to organizations like Feeding America and UNICEF as well as state and local community foundations. Albertsons pledged $3 million to feed families across the U.S. and is running a donation drive at each of its banners, and Kroger has also committed $3 million to help prevent food insecurity during the pandemic.
