Food Lion Feeds’ annual Gala Apple Bag campaign provided the equivalent of more than 13.8 million meals to local families experiencing food insecurity.
This year’s total marks the campaign’s second-largest number of meals provided since it began in 2014.
Customers supported the effort from Sept. 17-Oct. 7 by purchasing specially-marked bags of Gala apples or making cash donations at the register. Proceeds benefit hunger-relief organizations that receive grants through the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Food Lion.
Each year, the foundation awards more than $1 million in grants to community partners that help feed those in need. Since the Apple Bag campaign’s inception, customer support has helped generate the equivalent of more than 57 million meals for families facing hunger.
“The generosity of our customers each year in helping to fight hunger is truly remarkable,” said Kevin Durkee, manager, Food Lion Feeds.
“We are grateful for their continued support of the Gala Apple Bag Campaign and their ongoing commitment to helping us fight food insecurity in the towns and cities we serve. Together, with our community partners, we are making a significant impact.”
Established in 2001, the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provides financial support to programs and organizations that help to eliminate hunger. The foundation awards grants twice annually to benefit more than 500 local feeding partners and supports capital campaign gifts to food bank partners. These organizations not only provide nutritious food but also offer health education and job skills training to help strengthen local communities.
The Gala Apple Bag campaign is one of many efforts led by Food Lion Feeds throughout the year to help end hunger. To learn more about Food Lion’s commitment to nourishing neighbors, visit foodlion.com/feeds.