The Cape Elizabeth Town Council revealed Monday that Hannaford Bros. was the largest donor behind an effort to build a turf field.

The Scarborough-based supermarket chain donated $100,000, said Hannaford spokeswoman Rebecca Howes, since the field will be built on land once owned by the Hannaford family.

The council also agreed to name it Hannaford Field, although the vote was contingent on a vote by the school board. The name was recommended by KidsTurf, a private group of Cape Elizabeth residents who recently reached a goal of raising $650,000 in donations and pledges, although an additional $250,000 is needed for amenities such as a snack shack and bleachers.

“I wish to thank Hannaford for recognizing its historic roots with a significant donation,” said Paul McKenney, who replaced David Backer as council chairman Monday night.

The Hannaford family, added McKenney, once owned hundreds of acres of farm land in Cape Elizabeth, including the land where the high school now sits.

Hannaford, which owns about 155 stores around New England, got its start in 1883 when Arthur Hannaford sold his Cape Elizabeth-grown produce on the Portland waterfront. In 1902, his two brothers joined him, and Hannaford Bros. was created. According to the company Web site, the chain gives about $4 million annually in sponsorships and donations, including $100,000 to the failed YMCA project in Scarborough.

“For about 200 years the Hannaford name has been known in Cape Elizabeth,” said McKenney. “Had it not been for them stepping forward I do not believe we would have the turf field,” he added.

Council member Cynthia Dill asked the council to table the naming vote and hold a public hearing.

“It could be prudent to have some public input before naming the field,” said Dill. “It’s my belief there needs to be a public hearing.”

Though the public was given a chance to speak at Monday’s meeting, said Dill, she questioned whether there was enough notice before the meeting.

As a compromise, the council voted 7-0 in favor of the name, though Town Manager Michael McGovern will not sign the motion until the School Board also votes on the name.

Superintendent Alan Hawkins told the council he didn’t expect school board members would reject the name. “There hasn’t been a formal vote of the board,” said Hawkins, “but we have been aware of it for some time.”

The lights for the field were already installed and the actual turf could be built as soon as this spring for use next year.