The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $985,000 in “Nourishing Our Neighbors” grants to 318 feeding partners across Food Lion’s 10-state operating region.
The grants are intended to support local nonprofits working to provide fresh, nutritious food and nutritional education for families and individuals in need.
According to the foundation, the grants will help participating community organizations deliver not only food assistance but also education on meal planning, budgeting and cooking – all aimed at empowering families to maintain long-term food security. Officials say the grants enable partners to expand capacity and reach more people.
“Every community we serve is unique, but they share a common need: access to nourishing food,” said Natasha Brinegar, president of Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation and VP of category management, meat and seafood at Food Lion.
“These Nourishing our Neighbors grants strengthen local organizations who know our communities best and make a meaningful difference in our neighbors’ lives each day.”
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, operates as a nonprofit organization managed by a volunteer board of Food Lion employees. Since its founding, the foundation has distributed more than $25 million through grants to support community food-assistance programs, backpack meal initiatives, food bank support and other hunger-relief efforts across its footprint.
In addition to the December grant cycle, the foundation holds a second round of grants each spring/summer. The next application deadline is March 13, and funds will be awarded in early June. Eligible nonprofit organizations – affiliated with Feeding America or United Way – may apply once every 12 months.
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