Food Lion Feeds reaches goal of 1.5B meals to nourish local communities

Food Lion says its hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds, has achieved its goal of providing 1.5 billion meals to address food insecurity in the communities it serves throughout its 10-state footprint.

This goal was reached through a collective effort and combination of product, financial and equipment donations; disaster relief and recovery efforts; associate volunteer hours; in-store retail campaigns; and the company’s food rescue program, according to a news release.

Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 to reduce food insecurity where Food Lion serves, making a commitment to donate 500 million meals by 2020. After reaching its goal 18 months early, the organization set a new goal of providing 1 billion more meals by the end of 2025. Reaching this milestone 10 months early was made possible through in-store retail campaigns, including pin pad donations, as well as the support of customers, the company said.

Additionally, Food Lion Feeds and the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation donated more than $4 million in the last four years toward disaster relief during hurricanes and other emergencies, accelerating the support for families in need and early achievement of the milestone, according to the release.

Food Lion Feeds’ new goal will double its efforts to date and provide a total of 3 billion meals by 2032, the release said. The organization said this next milestone demonstrates its ongoing commitment to nourishing communities by providing immediate hunger relief and addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

It said it also plans to expand its work with sustainable solutions for future generations, including culinary skills training, workforce development, teaching gardens and nutrition education, empowering neighbors to grow their own food, helping them achieve self-reliance and breaking the cycle of food insecurity.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation also will donate $1 million, equivalent to 10 million meals, through its upcoming spring grants, kicking off the renewed efforts, the release said.

“We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries,” said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion. “We are honored to support the towns and cities we serve in meaningful ways. We appreciate the support of our customers, associates, feeding partners and vendors in helping us provide 1.5 billion meals to those who are food insecure. While this milestone is significant, our work is not done and we are committed to further nourishing our neighbors to help set them up for success in life.”

To celebrate this achievement and recommit to its mission, Food Lion Feeds will host food distribution events in seven towns and cities through its Thanks-A-Billion tour. Food Lion employees will volunteer at each event, preparing and distributing boxes filled with nutritious food, increasing access to healthy meals for families and individuals facing food insecurity. By involving associates in these events, Food Lion Feeds strengthens its commitment to nourishing communities and addressing the root causes of food insecurity, the release said.