Fostering a caring and inclusive workplace has been a priority for more than three decades at Food Lion, The Shelby Report’s 2024 Southeast Retailer of the Year. Linda Johnson, SVP of human resources and communications, said Food Lion’s commitment goes beyond words, creating a culture that extends to customers, communities and their entire associate base.
Johnson said Food Lion continues to ensure the company is a place of belonging for everyone and that “it is woven into the fabric of who we are and what we do.”
‘Count on me’ – core of company culture
Food Lion’s company culture, “Count on me,” is more than just a slogan. It’s a philosophy built on four core behaviors: know what to do, make it easy, do your part and do everything with care.
“The name of this culture was implemented in 2014, which means we’re coming up on a decade of authenticating and integrating it into our culture,” Johnson said. “Our associates absolutely bring it to life by knowing what to do and making it easy for each other and our customers. Everyone has to do their part and most importantly, do it all with care.”
She noted that Food Lion’s culture is “more than just words on the wall.” It is the soul of the company.
“It’s more than just the words. I hear a lot of stories about how our associates demonstrate care in our culture, from small acts of kindness to the support of major projects. Our associates genuinely care about each other, and it’s demonstrated by their actions.”
To recognize these contributions, Food Lion hosts an annual “Count on me” Awards program, where each department selects a winner who models company behaviors every day to support the brand. Johnson said Food Lion takes the recognition a step further with retail associates nominating two additional corporate winners for their ongoing commitment to and support of the retail stores and associate communities within.
“All the nominations are touching. They’re emotional examples of our associates and support partners, representing the very best of what ‘Count on me’ means,” Johnson said.
The Store Manager of the Year awards also are special. Johnson said Food Lion’s store managers lead the “Count on me” culture. “It’s always heartwarming to see store managers support each other when you have the five finalists,” she said, adding they also are supported by their store associates who watch via a video link.
“Our store managers are vital to our business. Recognizing their ongoing efforts is special for all 82,000 associates. Store managers truly represent the towns and cities we serve,” Johnson said.”
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Nourishing towns and cities
“We have invested in efforts in the towns and cities that we serve … we have a responsibility as good corporate citizens to nourish and support all communities. We’ve always been purposeful in our investments, and we nourish people with more than food,” she said.
For example, Food Lion has donated millions of dollars in scholarships to support students at colleges and universities across its 10-state footprint, and they provide ongoing support to campus food pantries and nutrition lounges through Food Lion Feeds, their hunger-relief platform.
The company’s investment in its towns and cities extends to its neighbors who struggle with food insecurity so fewer people have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries.
Nourishing careers
“I believe we have an engaged audience of associates working for us – many of them part time while in college – and it’s important to make sure that they know all the career opportunities that exist in our company,” Johnson said. “Our workforce is comprised of associates who bring different experiences which contributes to better business results, and we want to inspire our associates to grow their careers with us. And we seek perspectives from associates to inform and guide our career and talent programs. That’s important to us, as it’s our associates who bring our brand, strategy and culture to life every single day.
“By nourishing associates at all stages of their careers, they are engaged with us and continue to grow here.”
Food Lion associates are celebrated through annual year of service awards, marking milestones of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years with the company. Johnson said in 2023 Food Lion recognized three associates who celebrated 50 years of service, and in 2024, the company recognized five.
“To have that kind of career longevity is a testament to who we are as a brand and employer of choice. There’s a lot of tenure in our organization,” she said. “It’s special to us and our associates who have found a place of belonging and a career path that works for them and a culture that cares.”
Food Lion’s 10 business resource groups also play a role in creating a place of belonging for everyone. Each BRG has associate participation from across all demographics and work experiences. BRGs reinforce Food Lion’s brand, strategy and culture, and each group is partnered with a business leader across the company to support Food Lion strategic business initiatives.
Food Lion is also purposeful about the benefits and offerings for its associates, “to help them live their best lives,” she added.
Healthy Foundations, Food Lion’s award-winning HR strategy, is a game-based training built on four pillars of well-being: financial management, health and wellness, career and education, and community. Healthy Foundations, which has reached more than 99 percent of current associates, is “one more example of how culture is just so personal to us,” Johnson noted.
The connection between Food Lion associates and the communities in which they live is a vital part of company culture. They give back by volunteering through a variety of Food Lion Feeds and other community partnerships, such as preparing meals, building community pantries, mentoring underserved youth, building ramps for veterans and many other ways to helping neighbors in need.
“We’re passionate about nourishing our neighbors and setting them up for success in life,” Johnson said. “Through charitable giving and volunteer work, our associates absolutely deliver, and they deliver our culture every single day.”
