A Philadelphia meat and cheese company donated a ton — literally, one ton — of food Thursday to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

This is the third year that Dietz & Watson Inc. has donated to the Duquesne-based food bank through its annual Families Helping Families promotion and a partnership with its major retail customer, Giant Eagle.

“A ton of food — 2,000 pounds — that’s enough food for 10,000 meals,” said Lisa Scales, the food bank president and CEO. “We do not receive many donations of lunch meat and cheese, so this is a special donation for us.”

The donation included beef hot dogs, knockwurst, chicken sausage, ham, ham steaks, herb turkey, salami Italian soppressata, mozzarella and Colby Jack cheese.

Last year Dietz & Watson donated more than four tons of food to the organization. In 2018, the company delivered a $7,500 check.

“There are six food banks within Giant Eagle’s footprint,” said Michelle Denk, spokeswoman for Dietz & Watson. “We committed to a ton of food for each of the food banks.”

The company bases the size of its donation on a percentage of shopper purchases in November and December at Giant Eagle stores across its sales area. Giant Eagle selected the food bank as beneficiary.

A Dietz & Watson truck loaded with food headed off for a food bank in Youngstown after dropping off deli meats and cheeses in Duquesne. Denk said the family-owned company uses the annual giveaway to promote its brand while giving something back to the community.

“We’re really here to ensure people have a sufficient amount of nutritious food each and every day,” Scales said. “Today we are carrying out our mission through this wonderful partnership.”

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