Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion Feeds has provided 1.6 million meals through its Orange Bag campaign, surpassing its 1 million meals goal.
During the Orange Bag campaign, which ran from March 1-21, customers purchased specially-marked orange bags or made a cash donation at the register during checkout at stores. Each bag sold helped provide five meals to Feeding America and local partner food banks throughout its 10-state operating area.
According to Feeding America, the campaign is critical as more than 53 million people turned to food banks, pantries and other private assistance programs in 2021.
The amount donated to each bank will be based on the number of bagged oranges sold in each service area. Additionally, 100 percent of all cash donations will support Feeding America. Since the campaign began in 2019, customers have provided about 6 million meals.
“In the face of hunger, many families are forced to make difficult choices, and we know our neighbors count on us to help nourish their families,” said Kevin Durkee, manager, Food Lion Feeds. “As part of our effort to address food insecurity, we thank our customers for partnering with us. We’re proud to support our food bank partners and local feeding agencies to fight hunger.”
Through Food Lion Feeds, the grocer has helped to provide more than 1 billion meals and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. It is the only company in the country to be named an Energy Star Partner of the Year for 21 consecutive years. Founded in 1957, the grocer is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize.
