[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 34 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING GIANT FOOD, LLC AND UFCW LOCAL 400 ON THE GRAND REOPENING 
                      OF THE UNIVERSITY MALL STORE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Giant Food, 
LLC, on the grand reopening of its University Mall store following an 
extensive renovation and expansion. For several years University Mall 
has been in the midst of a complete make-over to better reflect and 
serve this vibrant community including the students and staff of George 
Mason University. With the reopening of the Giant Food store, this $35 
million renovation project will be complete.
   Giant Food is much more than a grocery store. For years Giant Food 
has been a true partner and has supported our community in a variety of 
ways. Giant Food has been an important donor to local food banks, 
providing the necessary funds and products to ensure that shelves are 
stocked with healthy options. Giant Food recently strengthened their 
ties with the community by partnering with the Washington Capitals, 
Mystics, Wizards and the Verizon Center to promote programs that 
support hunger relief and building healthier communities. Understanding 
that holidays can be a difficult time for our most vulnerable 
neighbors, Giant has donated 28,750 Thanksgiving turkeys since 2011, as 
well as thousands of Easter hams.
   Giant Food's support of our community extends far beyond food and 
nutrition. Giant Food hosts an annual A+ School Rewards Program that 
has donated more than $94 million since 1989 to participating schools. 
Last year, the program donated $2 million to 1,466 public and private 
schools in the Maryland, Virginia, D.C, and Delaware area. This money 
allows for investment in schools' technology programs, scholarship 
opportunities, and other educational benefits including playgrounds and 
fieldtrips. These examples are just a small sampling of the projects 
and programs sponsored by Giant Food that directly help our residents.
   None of this would be possible without the support of the Giant 
corporate leadership or the tireless dedication of the men and women of 
United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 400. The UFCW Local 400 
represents 35,000 members who work in the retail food, health care, 
department store, food processing and other industries in our area. 
Local 400 not only helps to protect the wages and benefits of its 
members, but also strives to improve the working conditions and futures 
of all Americans.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Giant 
Food, LLC on the grand re-opening of its University Mall store and in 
thanking its leadership and Local 400 members for their countless 
contributions to our local community.

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