We here at Deli Market News are always quick to applaud the efforts of companies looking to make a difference in their communities. Food Lion is among those outfits, as the chain recently hosted its sixth annual Food Lion Feeds Orange Bag campaign. Through this initiative, the grocer helped provide over 18.3 million meals with the support of its customers.
“Every cash donation and orange bag purchase make a lasting impact to help nourish our neighbors,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager of Food Lion Feeds. “Working in collaboration with our partner food banks, we are honored to support their efforts to address food insecurity. We are committed to doing our part because everyone deserves access to nutritious food.”
The Orange Bag campaign benefits Feeding America® and local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual report, Household Food Security in the United States in 2022, food-insecure households in the United States increased to 44 million, including 13 million children. That means one in seven individuals don’t know how they’ll afford their next meal, a press release stated.
The Orange Bag campaign ran from February 28–March 19, during which customers purchased specially marked Food Lion Feeds orange bags or made cash donations at the register during checkout at Food Lion stores. Customers had the option to use digital keypads at checkout to donate a specific dollar amount or round up their purchases to support the cause.
“After seeing a 31 percent increase in 2022, the food insecurity rate is the highest it’s been since 2014,” said Lauren Biedron, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Feeding America. “It’s clear that more needs to be done to achieve a food-secure future for everyone, which is why we are grateful for our dedicated partners, like Food Lion, and their ongoing commitment to the movement to end hunger.”
Since the Food Lion Feeds Orange Bag campaign’s inception in 2019, customers have helped to provide more than 25 million meals through the sale of specially marked orange bags and cash donations.
How will Food Lion continue to support communities with access to fresh and nutritious food? DMN will be here to report.
