USO of Metropolitan Washington

Giant Food of Landover, Md. today announced during a briefing at the Tivoli Giant that Giant and the USO of Metropolitan Washington will work together to support military families across the region. During the month of March, Giant will host an in-store giving campaign, accepting both monetary and food donations to benefit USO-Metro. The campaign will help establish a USO food pantry and support additional USO programs.

The giving campaign offers customers the opportunity to support military families by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their grocery bill at check out. Additionally, each neighborhood Giant has a collection bin where customers can donate non-perishable food items. The giving campaign will take place in all Giant Food stores from March 4 through March 31, 2011.

"At Giant, we're honored and excited to be celebrating our 75th anniversary over the course of 2011. During March, we'll celebrate the 1940s and Giant milestones as well as reflect on historic events including World War II. We'll salute our veterans as well as those who currently serve," said Jamie Miller, public and community relations manager for Giant Food of Landover, Md. "We're thrilled to work with the USO of Metropolitan Washington to support military families in our region and look forward to a successful partnership."

To celebrate the 1940s, Giant will host "Canteen Nights" at select stores on March 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. The event, co-hosted by Giant and the USO of Metropolitan Washington, will be reminiscent of the decade and canteens of the war years, featuring dancing, coffee and donuts.

"The continued generosity of the community makes it possible for USO-Metro to serve the troops and their families. Throughout our 70-year history the USO of Metropolitan Washington has been committed to serving the troops when they need us the most," said Elaine Rogers, president and CEO of USO-Metro. "Establishing a USO food pantry will help grow our emergency services to support military families and we truly are grateful for this new partnership with Giant."

Non-perishable food items that USO-Metro particularly needs to establish a USO food pantry include canned fruits and vegetables, 100 percent fruit juice, soup, peanut butter, pasta, and granola bars. A complete list of essential food items can be found online at www.GiantFood.com.

Editor's Note: Photos from today's press briefing at the Tivoli Giant are available upon request. Please contact Sara Neumann at 202.414.0788 or sneumann@susandavis.com.

About Giant Food
Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 178 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 22,000 associates. Included within the 178 stores are 163 full-service pharmacies. For more information on Giant, visit www.GiantFood.com.

About USO of Metropolitan Washington
USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to "Serving those who serve, and their families" in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of nearly 5,000 devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals; through its Mobile USO program; at five USO Centers, four USO airport lounges and through Operation USO Care Package. For more information please visit www.usometro.org.