OSG “Bags” a Spot on Giant Food’s Reusable Bag Program
Reusable Bags Let Grocery Patrons Support OSG’s Mission Via Purchase
Arlington, VA. (March 27, 2024) – Our Stomping Ground (OSG) will be the featured partner in April 2024’s Community Bag program by Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain.
All month long, for every person who purchases a new Virginia inspired local artist reusable shopping bag for $2.75 from any of Giant’s 59 stores in Virginia, Giant will donate $1 to OSG.
Working in tandem with affordable housing developers in Virginia, OSG creates communities in which adults with developmental disabilities can live interdependently. Along with safe, clean apartments, OSG community members enjoy building relationships with their neighbors; easy access to public transportation for work and leisure pursuits; and local amenities like parks, cafes – and yes, grocery stores.
Featuring original artwork by Fond Collective, April’s reusable Giant shopping bags are not only a great way to slash plastic bag pollution but are also “key to broadening awareness around and supporting OSG’s mission to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities,” says Margot Greenlee, Executive Director of OSG.
The artists that comprise Richmond, VA.-based Fond Collective – Grace Manno and Dashiell Kirk – work in various media, including illustration, print design, animation, and sculpture. “We are delighted and grateful that Fond Collective nominated OSG as the recipients of April’s Community Bag proceeds,” adds Greenlee. “In so many ways, artists are at the front of the social justice movement.”
Living semi-independently, people with disabilities can make mistakes, make friends, make choices and make their own meals, affording them “the dignity of risk,” or the chance to live and learn in many of the same ways as non-disabled peers do.
“OSG community members and staff love a good potluck,” adds Greenlee. “Being able to shop for movie-night popcorn, plan a pizza party with friends, and try new recipes in one of our on-site cooking classes or at home on a rainy Sunday night are important and fun life skills OSG members are building.”
“We are excited to have OSG, whose mission is to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities, as the benefitting organization for the Community Bag Program in all Virginia Giant Food locations during the month of April,” says Melissa Hansen, VP, Program Management of the Giant Food Community Bag Program. “OSG makes a truly fantastic impact in the community, and we are looking forward to partnering with them!”
Almost $560,000 has been donated to more than 1,700 nonprofit organizations since Giant launched the program in July 2019.
Giant’s first store opened in Washington, DC in 1936. In 1941, the company opened its first store in Virginia, where all of OSG’s current communities are located.
For more information about Giant’s Community Bag program, or to submit your organization for consideration, please visit https://giantfood.2givelocal.com.
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About Our Stomping Ground
OSG’s mission is to build inclusive communities and strengthen neighborhoods through diverse programming; sustainable, affordable housing; and social spaces for people of all abilities. For more information, or to arrange an interview with Margot Greenlee, contact Fredda Hurwitz at 703-965-2252.
About Giant Food
Since opening its first location over 88 years ago in Washington, D.C. in 1936, Giant has been an integral part of the communities and customers it serves. Giant is committed to being a Better Neighbor and has designated four main giving pillars that address local Food Insecurity, Military Support, Pediatric Cancer Research and Social Equality. Giant is headquartered in Landover, Md. and operates 164 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia with approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 164 stores are 154 full-service pharmacies and 28 Starbucks locations. Giant fits all the ways today’s busy customers want to shop – whether in store or online. With 162 Giant Pickup locations and delivery options available in all of its markets, customers have even more convenient options right at their fingertips to get the best products and prices, whenever and however they choose. For more information on Giant Food, visit giantfood.com.