Food Lion kicks off Summers Without Hunger drive

Food Lion Feeds is kicking off its Summers Without Hunger initiative, aimed at addressing childhood food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food. The annual campaign encourages customers to tackle food insecurity by purchasing specially designed reusable bags for $3 at any Food Lion store. 

Since the campaign began in 2019, customers have helped provide more than 57 million meals. The campaign, which runs June 26 – July 23, benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, and local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

Food Lion customers can purchase a specially designed reusable bag in-store or online via Food Lion To Go. Proceeds from all specially designed reusable bags purchased by customers will be generously matched by 10 Food Lion suppliers: Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, General Mills, Kellanova, Kraft Heinz, Knorr, Pepsi Beverages and Triscuit, doubling the impact, up to $1 million. Every bag purchased provides the equivalent of 60 meals. Customers also can use the digital keypad at checkout to donate a specific dollar amount or round up their purchases to support the effort.

[Read more: Food Lion Feeds, customers join to nourish neighbors]

According to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children across America experiences hunger, especially during the summer months. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer is working to increase access to nutritious food by uniting with customers and suppliers to help ensure that families and their children have access to nourishment.

“When children are out of school, many lack immediate access to healthy and nutritious foods,” said Kevin Durkee, manager, Food Lion Feeds at Food Lion. “With the support of our valued customers and suppliers, we are helping nourish children in the towns and cities we serve, setting them up for success in life. Together, we can be the catalysts for change, ensuring children and their families have access to nutritious food.”

In addition to donations from customers, suppliers and Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion associates also will volunteer throughout the campaign at several local Feeding America partner food banks to help distribute food to neighbors experiencing hunger.

[Read more: Food Lion Feeds partners with CIAA Schools to address food insecurity]

Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion has helped provide more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donating 1.5 billion meals by 2025. For more information on Food Lion Feeds’ commitment to ending hunger, visit here.