Giant Food Announces Black History Month Contest

of Landover is accepting submissions for its sixth annual Black History Month Essay Contest commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The winners will be announced during the national observance of Black History Month in February, according to a Giant Food press release.

Middle school students in grades six through eight attending schools in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, DC. are invited to enter the contest, provided they comply with all criteria listed in the contest rules and guidelines described online at giantfood.com.  

According to Giant, the essay contest is in support of King’s vision to join together people from all walks of life, races, and backgrounds for the common good and should address the theme: “Making a difference—What can you do to help fight hunger in your community?”  

Each submission will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity and adherence to the essay topic. Two winners will be selected from each grade level and the winners will receive a cash award, according to the press release. 

Students must submit their application package consisting of an entry form and their original essay via the U.S. Postal Service and must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2011.

Complete details about how to submit an application package can be found by visiting www.giantfood.com/ourstores/mlk/index. Winners will be notified on or about Feb. 6, 2012. 

According to the announcement, the goals of the essay contest are to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of volunteerism and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to inspire youth to consider their individual role in building character and community involvement.