Food Lion, an omnichannel grocery retailer, has shown remarkable unity with its customers in the face of disaster. Through their collective efforts, they have contributed an astounding amount of over $3.9 million to ongoing disaster relief, making a significant impact on communities affected by Hurricane Helene. This remarkable feat includes customer donations of more than $2.2 million at the register from October 2nd to 30th.

Food Lion's Matching Donation and Foundation's Distribution

The omnichannel grocery retailer went the extra mile by matching customer contributions up to $1 million at all its stores across its 10-state operating area. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Food Lion, will play a crucial role in distributing these funds through grants to partner feeding agencies before the end of the year. These funds will be instrumental in assisting hunger relief organizations during their recovery and rebuilding efforts.Established in 2001, the foundation has a long history of providing financial support to programs and organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger. The remaining $750,000, funded by Food Lion and its foundation, was promptly distributed after the hurricane to nonprofit organizations focused on disaster relief or providing immediate nourishment to those in need.Jennifer Blanchard, Director of Community Relations at Food Lion, emphasized their commitment, saying, "We want our neighbors and communities who were affected by the hurricane to know that Food Lion is here to help them as they continue to rebuild their lives. We appreciate our loyal customers and their willingness to support our efforts. While this is a challenging time, our local partners and neighbors can count on Food Lion to support them in meeting both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding."

Food Lion's Delivery of Vital Resources During Hurricane Devastation

Food Lion's commitment to disaster relief is not a fleeting gesture but a continuous and multifaceted effort. As part of their ongoing promise to support the towns and cities they serve, they donated funds in early October to support nonprofit organizations that provide essential resources such as food and water, emergency shelter, relief supplies, freshly prepared meals, potable water, and gift cards.In addition to financial support, Food Lion supplied more than 1.1 million pounds of nonperishable food and water. Their associates also mobilized, contributing more than 400 volunteer hours. This extensive support has benefited a wide range of organizations, including:- The American Red Cross, which has been at the forefront of disaster response.- World Central Kitchen, providing nourishment in times of crisis.- Local Disaster Relief and Response Teams, working tirelessly on the ground.- Hospitals and Government Agencies, ensuring the well-being of the affected population.- Community Feeding Partners in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, strengthening local food security.Nikki McCormick, Vice President of Partnerships & Impact at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, expressed gratitude, saying, "On behalf of hundreds of thousands of northwest North Carolinians, thank you for this incredibly generous donation for neighbors affected by Hurricane Helene and for Food Lion's long history of investment and active involvement in communities. Your support is seen, felt and deeply appreciated."

Food Lion's Role in Concert for Carolina and Food Drive

As a key sponsor of Concert for Carolina on October 26th, Food Lion Feeds hosted a food drive during the sold-out fundraiser. This initiative aimed to provide nonperishable food items to feeding agencies deeply involved in relief efforts and named as concert beneficiaries. The hunger relief platform donated 36,000 pounds of food, filling two tractor trailers and jumpstarting the effort for MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, NC, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina in Winston-Salem, NC.Both hunger-relief organizations serve some of the hardest-hit communities in western North Carolina and have been mobilized for immediate relief to nourish their neighbors. Additionally, MANNA FoodBank's facility was destroyed, and the agency lost all warehouse food and equipment. However, concert-goers and visitors to uptown Charlotte brought 6,300 pounds of shelf-stable items to donate. Food Lion Feeds also generously donated $75,000 to each food bank.For more ways Food Lion cares for the towns and cities it serves, visit foodlion.com/feeds.About Food LionFood Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer dedicated to nourishing its neighbors. With more than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores, they deliver an easy, fresh, and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a strong focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue.In 2014, Food Lion Feeds was created and has since donated more than 1.2 billion meals to those facing food insecurity. The retailer has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.