SALISBURY, NC - In support of Supermarket Associate Day on Feb. 22, Food Lion Feeds is helping to provide 250,000 meals to its longtime partner Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. This donation, made on behalf of Food Lion’s 82,000 associates, exceeds three meals per associate for a full day of nutrition.

Since 2021, Food Lion has donated 1.25 million meals in recognition of its associates, acknowledging their dedication and countless ways they help customers nourish their families.

Supermarket Associate Day is part of a national effort to honor frontline grocery workers. First declared in 2021 by FMI, The Food Industry Association, Feb. 22 recognizes essential workers who support their customers and communities. Their commitment was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our associates are the heart of Food Lion, and their care and dedication to our neighbors inspires us every day,” said Meg Ham, President, Food Lion. “At Food Lion, we believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries. This donation is one way we celebrate our associates’ efforts to care for the towns and cities we serve and reinforce our shared commitment to nourish those experiencing food insecurity.”

Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves. In 2024 alone, Food Lion Feeds provided the equivalent of 238 million meals, marking an impressive 56 million meals increase over 2023. Of that total, more than 69 million meals came through its pioneering food rescue program.

Each of Food Lion’s 1,110 stores donates unsaleable edible food to community feeding partner to support their clients’ nutritional needs. In 2000, Food Lion was the first grocery retailer in the country to establish a food rescue program in partnership with Feeding America.