SALISBURY, NC - Like a good neighbor, Food Lion is there, and the grocer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “There” is, of course, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Virginia—a market the Ahold Delhaize-owned banner has made itself home in for 37 years and counting. To further its neighborly duties and keep up its winning streak, Food Lion announced it is investing $40 million throughout 14 cities in Virginia and remodeling 23 stores.

"Food Lion is proud to have been a part of the many towns and cities we serve throughout the Charlottesville/Harrisonburg market for 37 years, and we are even more excited to bring new offerings, services, and a new look to these markets," said Food Lion President Meg Ham. "We look forward to making significant investments in our stores, our associates, and our communities to offer an enhanced shopping experience.”

Food Lion’s latest investments go hand-in-hand with its "Easy, Fresh and Affordable...You Can Count on Food Lion Every Day!" strategy. The remodels also consist of doubling down on customer service and adding the following enhancements, as stated in a press release:

• Two stores will have walk-in produce coolers designed to keep produce fresher, longer. These stores are in the towns of Ruckersville, located at 136 Cedar Grove Road, and Charlottesville, located at 32 Mill Creek Drive
• Select stores will receive in-store cut fruit and expanded seafood selection
• Expansion of great priced “grab n go” snacking items
• More natural, local, organic, and gluten-free products
• In-store made, hand-battered fried chicken
• Expanded variety of Nature’s Promise beef, pork, poultry, Food Lion’s brand of products “free from” unwanted ingredients like artificial additives, preservatives, and colors
• Expansion of categories such as gluten free and international specialty
• Expansion of premium and ready to drink coffees

“Our mission is to ensure our customers can easily find fresh, quality products to nourish their families at affordable prices every day, delivered with the caring, friendly service they expect from Food Lion every time they shop. We look forward to reintroducing our renovated stores later this summer,” Ham continued.

As part of Food Lion's latest strategy, the grocer is also looking to hire nearly 400 new associates at all of the stores listed here.

Each of the 23 stores will remain open during the remodel process. The latest round of store revamps joins Food Lion’s network of over 1,000 stores across its 10-store operating area that have undergone renovations, including the recent 92 North Carolina stores.

For more of the freshest, juiciest, and downright produce-crazy grocery news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.

Food Lion Ahold Delhaize