News and Media

For Immediate Release

September 9, 2009

Jamie Miller
Giant Food LLC
(301) 341-8776
jmiller@giantofmaryland.com

 

GIANT FOOD SPONSORS UNITED FOR D.C. KICKS FOR KIDS INITIATIVE

LANDOVER, Md. (September 9, 2009) – Giant Food is proud to announce that it will serve as an official sponsor of the United for D.C. Kicks for Kids initiative. Teaming up with Johnsonville Sausage, Giant will bring kids from the Most Valuable Kids (MVK) organization to D.C. United matches this year.

“Kicks for Kids is an incredible program that makes it possible for children in our area – who might not otherwise have the opportunity – to see D.C. United in action at RFK Stadium,” said Kim Brown, vice president of public affairs and community relations for Giant Food. “Giant Food is honored and excited to partner with Most Valuable Kids, a local organization that consistently makes a positive impact on the lives of our youth.”

Since 2001, Kicks for Kids has provided free tickets to regular season D.C. United home matches to area non-profit organizations and other community-based groups that serve at-risk, disadvantaged, and inner-city children. During the 2009 season, thousands of tickets will be distributed to organizations throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

“The Kicks for Kids program has long been a successful vehicle in allowing United for. D.C. to serve the community,” said Stephen Zack, president of the United for D.C. board of directors. “We’re thrilled to partner with Giant Food and Johnsonville to reach an even greater number of underserved families.”

As a result of Giant’s Kicks for Kids sponsorship, children and their families will get special behind-the-bench seating for the September 9 and October 3 games. On October 3, before D.C. United’s match versus Chivas USA, Giant and Johnsonville will be selling brats, snacks, and drinks at Johnsonville’s Big Taste Grill located outside of RFK Stadium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Most Valuable Kids.

“Johnsonville is extremely proud to partner with Giant Food and D.C. United to support the Kick for Kids Program,” said Tom Scheidt, regional business manager for Johnsonville. “Reaching out to kids is something that Johnsonville takes great pride in. Soccer is without a doubt the largest participation sport in the world. It brings children and families of all walks of life together. For us to have a chance to help kids see the sport on a professional level while having some fun is very rewarding to us. We look forward to the event and look forward to partnering with Kicks for Kids in the future.”

“We’re so grateful for Giant Food and Johnsonville’s support,” said Daryle Bobb, co-founder of Most Valuable Kids DC. “We love partnering with companies that share our mission of helping kids in need and providing them with an opportunity they otherwise could not afford.“

About Giant Food
Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 181 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 22,000 associates. Included within the 181 stores are 164 full-service pharmacies. Giant is owned by Netherlands-based Ahold. For more information on Giant, visit www.GiantFood.com.

About Kicks for Kids
Kicks for Kids is a collaborative effort between D.C. United and its charitable arm, United For D.C., to provide the gameday experience for thousands of under-privileged, at-risk, inner-city, and under-served youth throughout the Washington metropolitan area each season. Through Kicks for Kids, United For D.C. provides qualified non-profit and other community-based organizations with access to free match tickets, meal vouchers, transportation assistance, T-shirts, and promotional items, as well as special behind-the-bench seating and post-game autographs. Each year, approximately 9,000 disadvantaged youth, families and chaperones come to RFK Stadium to watch D.C. United through this program, representing over 150 organizations.

About Most Valuable Kids
The mission of Most Valuable Kids (MVK) is to provide a reward system for children and children's organizations that show exemplary behavior, spirit, and community service. In offering young people the opportunity to come face-to-face with athletic and entertainment role models, MVK's program fosters the development of self-esteem and a deeper understanding of the benefits of hard work and perseverance during adolescent and teenage years. MVK also works with various military organizations to reward enlisted service men and women for their hard work in securing our country. For additional information, visit www.mostvaluablekids.org.

About Johnsonville Sausage
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the number one national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links, and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville Sausage products are available in 39 countries including France, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and the United States. Johnsonville employs 1,300 members. Each of them takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Taste" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. & Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.