Food Community Bag Program
About
What is the program?
The Giant Food Community Bag Program was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to give back to the local communities that make up the Giant Food footprint. Through this program, shoppers and supporters are provided with an easy way to make a difference every time they make a simple purchase.
How does it work?
With each purchase of a $2.75 Community Bag, a $1 donation is redirected to a local nonprofit chosen by local store leadership or community relations. This donation helps support important community initiatives, with a different nonprofit selected each month to benefit from the contributions made by shoppers.
What impact has the program had since inception?
Since its launch in July 2019, the Giant Food Community Bag Program has donated over $720,000 to local causes, provided more than 860,000 meals to those in need, helped reduce 21,600,000 single-use plastic bags, and supported 1,925 nonprofits within the Giant Food community.
This low-effort, high-impact program is a win-win for both shoppers and the communities we call home. Together, we’re creating a more sustainable future, supporting local organizations, and making a lasting difference where it matters most.
Total 2024 Sales
206,174
$206,174
430
221,720
6,185,160
2024 Analysis
2024 was a record year for the Community Bag Program, achieving its highest total yearly sales since the program began in July 2019 with 206,174 bags sold!
January started the year off strong with 25,551 bags sold, partly due to three Maryland counties implementing a plastic bag ban. These high sales volumes led to inventory constraints, causing a decrease in February with 14,637 bags sold. Once inventory was replenished, sales spiked in March, achieving the highest monthly total in Program history, generating $27,715 in donations.
Q1’s high sell-through rates led to an OOS period for Purple bags, contributing to a decline in April, with 12,661 bags sold. The official launch of the Artist Series bags in May saw a total of 11,375 bags sold, but high demand resulted in a rapid depletion of inventory, which in turn led to decreased sales in June. With both Purple bags and Artist bags experiencing low inventory levels, Q2 ended with total sales of $31,135.
Q3 saw steady sales in the 12,000-13,000 range each month as inventory levels stabilized.
In October, the program generated $21,548 in donations. Numbers increased throughout the holiday season, culminating in the highest single day of sales for the year on November 27th, the day before Thanksgiving, with 2,092 bags sold. November finished strong with 14,267 Artist bags, and 11,683 Purple bags sold, resulting in total sales of 25,950 Community Bags.
December saw a slight decline in sales, with 22,269 bags sold as high run rates of the Artist Series bags led to limited inventory The impact of the Artist Series bags became more evident in Q4, as they accounted for more than half of total bag sales for the quarter, with a total of 38,311 Artist Series bags sold, compared to 31,456 Purple Bags. Overall, Q4 numbers exceeded 20,000 bags each month, resulting in total sales of $69,767.
The program ' s strong performance highlights its expanding impact and continued success in supporting local nonprofits and promoting sustainability
2025 Forecast
January is projected to start the year with steady sales, reaching around 17,500 units sold. As the quarter progresses, sales are expected to decrease slightly to 15,000 bags sold in February and March
April is expected to remain consistent in the 15,000 range before increasing to 16,000 bags sold in May with another potential Artist Series bag selection
In June and July, a slight decrease is anticipated, dropping back down to around 15,000 bags sold each month. Based on historical program trends, numbers are expected to rise again in August and September to a projected 16,000 bags sold per month.
Sales are forecasted to end the year strong, with October, November, and December expected to see numbers in the 17,000–19,000 range, driven by seasonal holidays and shopping trends
Each month’s forecast is aligned with current run rates and dependent on a consistent PO schedule for the year
District Impact
The performance of the top districts demonstrate the potential all Giant Food locations have to increase reusable bag sales and impact local nonprofits through program donations
Sales by District
Store Impact
The exceptional performance of these highlighted top-selling stores exemplifies the impact that can be achieved through this program. These stores have set the standard, demonstrating how every location can make a meaningful difference in its own community
Top 10 Stores
2024 Program Highlights
Throughout the year, the PSIM team works closely with nonprofits during their benefiting months and keeps an optimized, up-to-date database of active and engaged nonprofits Below, we’re proud to showcase key highlights, milestones, and the impactful efforts made in 2024, all of which reflect the continued growth and success of this program
Artist Series Bags
New bags designed by local artists from each state were launched in 2024 and achieved impressive sales, totaling 58,619 bags sold The Artist Series bags gained significant traction as the year progressed, accounting for 28% of total bag sales
Highest Yearly Sales since Program inception
2024 was a record-breaking year for the Community Bag Program, with total yearly sales reaching $206,172, marking the highest sales in the program's history. This achievement not only signifies a major milestone but also reflects the program ' s continued momentum and impact within the Giant Food community.
Highest Monthly Total in Program History
In March 2024, monthly sales peaked at $27,715 in donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, the highest monthly sales since the program ' s inception. This highlights the positive effect that each purchase of a Community Bag can have.
30K Club
Last year, four districts surpassed $30,000 in sales, with District 91 leading the way at 38,802 bags sold This success reflects the hard work of store leaders and their commitment to improving the community through this program
Earned Media
When a nonprofit is selected to benefit from the Community Bag Program, organizations are given all the marketing tools they need to promote their selection month to their support networks Each mention of Giant Food in print and online generates earned media and increases brand visibility. By advertising their selection, nonprofits are spreading information about Giant Food and strengthening its reputation as a community-oriented store.
Words of Gratitude
"Thank you so much!! We really appreciate it! Our patients receive Giant gift cards to help support their recovery during treatment and after surgery This donation will help us provide food for patients and families We love Giant!"
Heidi Williams CEO
Friends of Patients at the NIH
"Thank you so much for all that you do
This kind of funding is enough to provide three full months of Club access for one child whose family struggles to afford membership dues
We are very grateful to have been included in Giant’s philanthropic plan "
Adam Tuznik, Director of Development
Boys
and
Girls Club of Frederick County
"Thank you so much for this exciting news! We are thrilled that AfriThrive's Mobile Food Pantry Program has been selected once again as a Giant Food Community Bag Program Nonprofit Partner. We truly appreciate the support from the Store Leadership Team
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity, and we look forward to working together to make this a success!"
Dr. Truphena Choti, Founder and CEO
Afrithrive Mobile Food Pantry Program
