To mark Supermarket Associate Day on Feb. 22, Food Lion Feeds says it is helping provide 250,000 meals to domestic hunger-relief organization Feeding America.
This donation, made on behalf of Food Lion’s 82,000 associates, exceeds three meals per associate for a full day of nutrition, according to a news release. Since 2021, Food Lion says it has donated 1.25 million meals in recognition of its associates, acknowledging their dedication and countless ways they help customers nourish their families.
Supermarket Associate Day is part of a national effort to honor front-line grocery workers. First declared in 2021 by FMI, The Food Industry Association, Feb. 22 recognizes essential workers who support their customers and communities. Their commitment was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.
“Our associates are the heart of Food Lion, and their care and dedication to our neighbors inspires us every day,” said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion. “At Food Lion, we believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries. This donation is one way we celebrate our associates’ efforts to care for the towns and cities we serve and reinforce our shared commitment to nourish those experiencing food insecurity.”
Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves. In 2024 alone, Food Lion Feeds provided the equivalent of 238 million meals, marking a 56 million meals increase over 2023, the release said. Of that total, more than 69 million meals came through its food rescue program. Each of Food Lion’s 1,110 stores donates unsaleable edible food to community feeding partners to support their clients’ nutritional needs.
Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion says it has helped provide the equivalent of more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donating the equivalent of 1.5 billion meals by the end of 2025.
