ARLINGTON, Va. – As Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion's hunger-relief platform, and Meals on Wheels America mark five years of partnership, the partners are looking ahead. This fall, Food Lion Feeds is launching a new four-year, $1 million commitment to Meals on Wheels America, including an initial investment of $250,000 to strengthen the long-term infrastructure capacity of local Meals on Wheels providers so they can secure the vehicles, equipment and staffing needed to reach more older adults and sustain their services for years to come.
Since 2022, Food Lion Feeds has contributed more than $1,350,000 to 45 Meals on Wheels America member programs, supporting the delivery of services to more than 23,900 older adults across Food Lion's 10-state footprint.
These investments will create opportunities for long-term sustainable solutions for Meals on Wheels providers, illustrating the tangible difference this partnership makes in addressing persistent unmet need. Local organizations supported this year include:
- Senior Services, Inc. – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia – Macon, Georgia
- Senior Resources, Inc. – Columbia, South Carolina
"A nourishing meal can help older adults stay healthy and independent in the communities they call home," said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. "Through our continued partnership with Meals on Wheels America, we're helping make those meals more accessible. Together, we're reminding our older neighbors that they can count on Food Lion every day."
A portion of this year's $250,000 investment will also support a World Food Day matching campaign on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. For every $1 donated to Meals on Wheels America that day, Food Lion Feeds will donate $2, up to a total matching contribution of $25,000. Donations can be made at MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org. World Food Day has been observed annually since 1981 and increases awareness of world hunger and inspires solutions to improve food security and global nutrition. Funds raised will help advance the national organization's pursuit of ensuring that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it.
Meals on Wheels America launched End the Wait to shine a light on the growing number of older adults left without services due to lack of resources, and to rally support to serve more seniors in need of nutrition and connection. With senior hunger on the rise and federal funding not keeping pace with demand or increasing food and fuel costs, partnerships like this remain critical to ensuring older adults do not have to wait to receive life-sustaining services.
"Food Lion Feeds continues to show up for older adults exactly when it matters most," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO at Meals on Wheels America. "This expanded investment gives local providers desperately needed resources to serve more older adults today while strengthening their capacity to reach even more seniors in the future. We're proud to grow this partnership into its next chapter together."
