Food Lion Feeds, the hunger-relief initiative of Food Lion, is working to improve 33 food pantries as part of its annual Great Pantry Makeover. The effort aims to help local communities by remodeling pantries, restocking them with food, and providing new equipment to better serve people facing food insecurity. More than 1,500 volunteer hours from Food Lion associates will support these renovations.
The Great Pantry Makeover takes place each September during Hunger Action Month. This event highlights the impact of hunger and encourages community involvement in partnership with Feeding America.
Since starting in 2015, Food Lion Feeds has supported or renovated over 350 food pantries through this program. The organization was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the areas it serves.
“At Food Lion Feeds, we’re committed to nourishing our neighbors and setting them up for success in life,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. “Through The Great Pantry Makeover, we’re not only providing resources to expand access to nutritious food but also creating meaningful opportunities for our associates to connect with their neighbors and make a lasting impact.”
During the month-long initiative, associates will paint, clean, and renovate the selected pantries. They will also install shelving, freezers, coolers, and other equipment to increase storage capacity and improve access to fresh produce and essential items. Additionally, more than 92,000 pounds of shelf-stable foods donated by Food Lion Feeds will be distributed among the 33 pantries.
Food Lion Feeds reports that since its founding in 2014 it has helped provide over 1.5 billion meals to individuals and families experiencing hunger. The organization has pledged to donate a total of three billion meals by 2032. Further details about these efforts can be found at https://www.foodlion.com/feeds/.
Food Lion operates as an omnichannel grocery retailer with more than 82,000 employees across over 1,100 stores throughout ten Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. It is recognized for its focus on hunger relief and food rescue initiatives. Since launching its hunger relief platform in 2014, Food Lion has donated more than 1.5 billion meals and plans further contributions through its ongoing programs.
For additional information about Food Lion’s activities or history since its founding in Salisbury, N.C., visit https://www.foodlion.com/.
