As consumers grow more mindful of where their food comes from, Food Lion is betting big on freshness — and on its Carolina roots.
With a sweeping $484 million investment to remodel 153 stores across the greater Charlotte market, the Salisbury-based grocer is doubling down on locally grown fruits and vegetables, sustainable sourcing and community partnerships that keep farm-to-table flavors close to home.
“Customers will enjoy an expanded assortment of fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables through Food Lion’s Local Goodness program, which could feature up to 25 to 30 seasonal produce items from regional growers and producers,” says Chris Dove, vice president, produce category and merchandising for Food Lion. “This includes limited-time fall offerings such as potatoes, cooking greens, specialty squash, muscadine grapes, locally produced honey and a variety of fresh seasonal apples.”
The upgrades include modernized refrigerated cases — with energy-efficient doors and, in some locations, CO₂ systems — to maintain the freshness and quality of local produce while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The grocer says these changes make it easier to showcase the vibrant colors and flavors of the Carolinas’ harvests, from family farms to the produce aisle.
Through its Local Goodness initiative, Food Lion partners directly with farmers across North and South Carolina to bring seasonal variety and hometown flavor to shoppers. The program not only highlights local farms but also invests in infrastructure and training that strengthen regional food systems and shorten the distance between harvest and home.
“By deepening partnerships with local farmers, improving infrastructure and expanding programs like food rescue, Food Lion continues to reduce waste while supporting local economies and providing fresh, responsibly sourced food to the towns and cities we serve,” Dove says.
In addition, Food Lion says it was the first grocery retailer in the country to establish a food rescue program with Feeding America, a domestic hunger relief organization. All stores regularly donate unsaleable but edible food that might otherwise go to waste to local feeding agencies to support their clients’ nutritional needs. Since 2024, Food Lion stores in the greater Charlotte-area donated nearly 13 million pounds of food through this program to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, N.C., the company says.
“Charlotte is a special market for us because it’s our hometown,” says Greg Finchum, president of Food Lion. “Every enhancement is designed to meet our customers’ evolving needs — whenever, wherever and however they shop with us. Our associates are excited to welcome our customers into our refreshed stores and highlight what’s new. We’re proud to continue nourishing our towns and cities while delivering an easy and affordable omnichannel shopping experience customers count on from Food Lion.”
