LANDOVER, MD. — Giant has stepped up its commitment to diversity with the launch of a money market investment fund in Maryland.

The $50 million fund will support The Harbor Bank of Maryland, the only Black-owned and -managed commercial bank headquartered in the state.

The investment will provide the bank with greater financial opportunities for the communities it serves by being able to supply more loans to consumers and small businesses, investing in technologies and digital capabilities to better serve customers and expanding operations to serve more communities, according to Giant.

Through this investment, Giant and The Harbor Bank of Maryland build on their shared commitment to supporting underserved communities.

"We are pleased to support The Harbor Bank of Maryland with this investment to provide more financial opportunities for individual and small business bank customers in the Baltimore area," said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. "With a shared commitment to supporting our communities with economic development, this is a natural collaboration for us, and we look forward to the continued impact The Harbor Bank of Maryland provides."

Giant's investment is an extension of its commitment to being a better neighbor through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives including raising awareness for a diverse network of partners and suppliers and fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the unique backgrounds and experiences of its communities, according to the retailer.

The money market fund investment will be managed by J.P. Morgan Asset Management through its Empowering Change program (The Harbor Bank of Maryland serves as a distributor).