CARLISLE, Pa. – The GIANT Co., which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is marking the occasion with the launch of a new initiative focused on supporting the communities its stores serve.

GIANT said Thursday that its Make a Difference Challenge focuses on working with nonprofit organizations whose work has a direct impact on creating a future that promotes healthier people and a healthier planet.

“From our humble beginnings in 1923 as a two-man butcher shop to growing into a leading grocer, The GIANT Company connects families, whether it’s for special celebrations, quick meals on the go, or gathering for a weeknight dinner around the table,” said GIANT interim president John Ruane. “As we thought about the best way to celebrate our 100th anniversary, it kept coming back to those who’ve helped us get here and to those who help make The GIANT Company the incredibly special place it is, our team members, customers, and community partners. Putting them at the center of our anniversary was the natural choice, because without them, we wouldn’t be marking this incredible milestone in our company history.”

During its anniversary celebration, GIANT said it will build on its legacy by making several financial and product donations and participating in various volunteer activities. All donations will support the company’s purpose of connecting families for a better future by taking actionable steps to eliminate hunger, change children’s lives, heal the planet, promote wellbeing and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

From now through July 30, non-profit organizations located in the company’s footprint will be able to submit a proposal outlining how their unique program would enhance their community and lives of those they serve. Proposals will undergo a preliminary review by a panel of judges made up of team members, and finalists will be invited to present their project live later this year for their chance to win a grant from The GIANT Company, with $500,000 available for participants. More details are available here.

GIANT said it plans to celebrate its anniversary in a number of other ways in the coming months.

The company’s employees will be celebrated throughout the anniversary season with special team member-only discounts, events, in-store celebrations, a limited-edition t-shirt, for example. Their contributions to the retailer will also be highlighted through various storytelling opportunities, according to the company.

Later this year, the company will thank customers with four weeks of special sales and promotions. The special prices — on items across the store including everyday favorites and new launches — will be designed to underscore the company’s longstanding commitment to value. In addition, members of the retailer’s Choice Rewards loyalty program will enjoy additional special savings through personalized offers.

In addition to its Make a Difference Challenge, the company plans to involve many of its key partners, including regional food banks, local children’s hospitals, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in its celebrations. GIANT will present anniversary gifts to partners that embody the retailers purpose of connecting families for a better future in order to help them each continue their important work. Among the first gifts is a $250,000 donation to Philabundance to support its summer meal program for school-age children and $25,000 to No More Secrets Mind Body and Spirit Inc. to support the health and well-being of girls and women across Philadelphia.