Giant Tiger’s 65th anniversary celebrated with $1,000 for Shelburne Food Bank

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Shelburne Giant Tiger has marked the discount retailer's 65th anniversary with a $1,000 donation to the Shepherd's Cupboard Food Bank, offering a timely boost as local shelves head into the annual summer “drought season” for donations.

A ceremonial cheque was presented on May 11 outside the food bank, part of a national initiative in which Giant Tiger's head office provided a $1,000 grant to each store to support community organizations.

In Shelburne, store owner Andrew Lewis, who is preparing to retire on August 1, has been a consistent supporter of the food bank throughout his tenure. directed the full amount to the local food bank, continuing what staff describe as a long-running partnership between the store and the agency.

“I've been with Giant Tiger for 28 years,” Lewis said. “We try to never throw things out if we can, and get them to the food bank. Also, when there's some deals… especially in the fresh and frozen area, if we can get those deals, we'll pass them on to the food bank when they're available.”

The contribution comes at a critical time. Food bank representatives say donations typically fall after Easter and remain slow during the summer, even as demand stays high. Rising food prices are compounding the pressure, with usage showing no signs of easing.

Shelburne Food Bank coordinator Ardith Dunlop said that without community support, the work they do would be impossible.

“We wouldn't be here if we didn't have partners such as giant Tiger and Andrew Lewis,” she said. “We really wouldn't. They have seen us through lean times and times where we've been better placed, they have always been there. We've been together for a long, long time, and we have always appreciated the good support that they've given to the food bank.”

Giant Tiger's support extends beyond one-time cheques. 

The Shelburne location regularly participates in food rescue efforts, diverting items approaching their best-before dates – particularly fresh and frozen goods – from landfill to the food bank, as storage allows.

Lewis said that they aim to avoid throwing out usable food, instead routing it to local families wherever possible.

While Lewis is stepping back, both the store and the food bank expect the relationship to continue under new management, with ongoing donations tied to in-store deals and surplus product.

For the food bank, the latest contribution represents both immediate financial relief and a reaffirmation of a long-standing community partnership at a time when sustained support is increasingly vital.