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SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion Feeds has hit its goal of providing 1.5 billion meals to individuals and families facing hunger, and it reached that milestone 10 months ahead of schedule.
Food Lion launched its hunger relief initiative in 2014 to combat food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. The campaign reached the 1.5 billion meal milestone through food and financial donations, disaster relief support, associate volunteer hours, and customer-driven in-store fundraising efforts.
“We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries,” said Meg Ham, President of Food Lion. “We are honored to support the towns and cities we serve in meaningful ways. While this milestone is significant, our work is not done.”
Food Lion Feeds initially set a goal of donating 500 million meals by 2020, which it reached 18 months ahead of schedule. That success prompted the launch of a second-phase commitment to deliver an additional 1 billion meals by the end of 2025 — now also completed ahead of time. With momentum firmly on its side, Food Lion Feeds is raising the bar again with a new target: 3 billion total meals provided by 2032.
The next phase will expand beyond immediate food relief to long-term, sustainable solutions. The initiative will support programs like culinary skills training, workforce development, nutrition education, and teaching gardens — all aimed at helping neighbors grow their own food and break the cycle of hunger.
Over the past four years, the organization and its charitable foundation have donated more than $4 million to support disaster relief during hurricanes and other emergencies. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is also contributing $1 million — the equivalent of 10 million meals — in upcoming spring grants to kick off this next chapter.
Food Lion Feeds is launching a “Thanks-A-Billion” tour to celebrate the milestone and reaffirm its commitment, hosting food distribution events in seven towns and cities: Charlotte, N.C.; Topton, N.C.; North Wilkesboro, N.C.; Lebanon, Va.; Wake Forest, N.C., North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Norfolk, Va.
