Food Lion Feeds, the hunger-relief initiative from Food Lion, has made an extraordinary impact by providing 1.5 billion meals to communities across ten states. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to tackling food insecurity, a problem that affects millions of Americans.
Founded in 2014, Food Lion Feeds initially aimed to donate 500 million meals by 2020. They surpassed that goal 18 months early, thanks to generous donations from customers and community partners, along with various fundraising campaigns in their stores. In total, the organization and its charitable foundation contributed over $4 million in disaster relief for families during emergencies like hurricanes.
Recognizing the ongoing need, Food Lion Feeds has set a new target: to provide an additional 1 billion meals by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal underlines their pledge to nourish communities not just in times of crisis, but consistently over the long term. The organization plans to reach this target through various initiatives, including culinary skills training, gardening programs, and nutrition education. By empowering individuals with these tools, Food Lion Feeds aims to help break the cycle of food insecurity, fostering healthier communities in the process.
As part of their renewed efforts, the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation will donate $1 million—equivalent to 10 million meals—through upcoming spring grants. This funding will support further initiatives that promote self-reliance and sustainability.
Meg Ham, the president of Food Lion, expresses the importance of these efforts, stating, "We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries." Her words highlight the belief that food security is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
In celebration of their achievements and to reaffirm their dedication, Food Lion Feeds will host food distribution events across seven locations as part of their “Thanks-A-Billion” tour. Associates will volunteer their time to prepare and hand out boxes filled with nutritious food, creating a sense of community while addressing immediate hunger needs.
This initiative not only delivers food but also builds connections among neighbors. By actively involving their employees, Food Lion strengthens its role as a community partner, making a lasting impact in the fight against hunger.
For more insights on food insecurity and community support initiatives, you can refer to Feeding America.