Last updated on December 12th, 2024
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion Feeds honored a select group of food banks, volunteers, community leaders and employees at the eighth annual Food Lion Feeds Feedys Awards.
The event celebrates and recognizes people who “exemplify commitment and dedication to help nourish neighbors facing food insecurity.” Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.
“We at Food Lion Feeds envision a world where no one goes hungry, where families do not have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries and where everyone works together to nourish families and set them up for success,” said Kevin Durkee, manager, Food Lion Feeds.
“Despite each individual and organization’s challenges, they persevere and embrace uncertainty to nourish our neighbors. As a result of their tireless work and leadership, we recognize and honor their exceptional partnership and compassionate efforts.”
The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions:
The Food King Feeding Partner Award
This award honors a food bank that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, innovation, encouragement and motivation for others to take leadership roles in hunger-relief programming and community involvement.
A part of the Augusta, Georgia, community since 1978, Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries partners with 12 churches to address food insecurity. The pantry creates an inclusive environment and welcomes volunteers who support the distribution events and lead discussions on ways to end food insecurity in their community.
The Lion Heart Volunteer Award
This award recognizes a person who demonstrates skills in coordinating and motivating groups of donors and volunteers for hunger-relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks.
A servant leader of the Kingsport, Tennessee-based Central Baptist Church Food Ministry, V.O. Dobbins Jr. has been a volunteer leader for more than 30 years. His ability to lead, motivate, manage and inspire others allows the ministry to serve about 350 individuals every month through a mobile food distribution model he initiated during the pandemic.
The Grand Lion for Good Vendor Award
This award, presented to a Food Lion supplier, recognizes outstanding commitment to partnering with and participating in Food Lion Feeds’ hunger-relief projects. Since 2014, Duplin County, North Carolina-based Robinson Fresh has been the sole vendor of the Food Lion Feeds Apple Bag campaign.
In 2022, it partnered with customers to provide 4.5 million meals through this annual campaign. In addition to the product and financial support Robinson Fresh provides, they participate in volunteer events with Food Lion employees, helping pack boxes to distribute to people in need.
The Store That Roars Motivational Award
With a standout team of associates, the Food Lion store at 613 Frost Ave. in Warrenton, Virginia, is a longtime supporter of Fauquier Food Bank. Through its food rescue program, the store distributes unsold, edible food that might otherwise go to waste. In addition to food donations, store associates volunteer their time and resources to help increase the reach and impact of the food bank.
The Lion’s Pride Store Associate Award
The award honors two employees who demonstrates skill in coordinating and motivating store associates and volunteers for hunger-relief projects:
- Brenda Howell, direct store delivery receiver
- Howell champions hunger-relief efforts at her Food Lion store in Spring Hope, North Carolina. In her role, Howell interacts with partner food banks such as the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, which benefits from the food rescue program. Howell takes the time to talk to and learn about the partner agencies to understand their needs.
- Demetrius “Dee” Morrison, store manager
- Morrison, a store manager in Jonesville, North Carolina, volunteers at food rescue events and coordinates efforts across the 11 counties the Statesville region she serves. For example, she supported a partnership with a local shelter to serve meals at Fifth Street Ministries in Iredell County. Morrison also worked with the local nursing homes. In addition, she coordinated a regional event for employees from 23 stores to prepare 1,500 backpacks for local schools.
For more information on Food Lion Feeds, visit foodlion.com/feeds.
