This year, Food Lion’s seventh annual Orange Bag campaign successfully provided over 14.8 million meals to combat food insecurity in collaboration with its customers. The initiative benefits Feeding America and local food banks across Food Lion’s ten-state operating area. Since its inception in 2019, the campaign has supported 33 food bank locations, providing a total of 25 million meals through specially marked orange bags and cash donations. Food Lion Feeds, established in 2014, aims to address hunger in the communities it serves. According to USDA data, more than one in four Americans participate in food assistance programs annually, indicating growing financial challenges for many families.

Food Lion Feeds’ partnership with Feeding America ensures that nutritious food reaches vulnerable households. Customers contributed by purchasing specially marked orange bags or donating at checkout from February 26 to March 18. Digital options allowed customers to donate specific amounts or round up their purchases. Since 2014, Food Lion Feeds has helped provide over 1 billion meals and aims to reach 1.5 billion by 2025 through various forms of support including product, financial, and equipment donations, disaster relief efforts, and volunteer hours.

Community Collaboration to Combat Hunger

The success of the Orange Bag campaign lies in its community-driven approach. By engaging customers as active participants, Food Lion fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing food insecurity. Through the sale of specially marked orange bags and direct cash donations, individuals contribute directly to feeding those in need within their own neighborhoods. This initiative not only raises funds but also heightens awareness about the prevalence of hunger in seemingly affluent regions.

Food Lion recognizes that ending hunger requires a collective effort. Their partnership with Feeding America exemplifies this philosophy by ensuring resources are efficiently distributed to where they’re needed most. Since 2019, this annual campaign has collectively supported 33 food bank locations spanning Food Lion’s ten-state footprint. Each orange bag purchased translates into tangible support for families struggling to put food on the table. Beyond monetary contributions, the campaign underscores the importance of fostering empathy and solidarity among neighbors. It demonstrates how small actions—like buying an orange bag—can have profound impacts on the well-being of entire communities.

A Commitment to Sustainable Solutions

Beyond the immediate impact of the Orange Bag campaign, Food Lion Feeds embodies a long-term commitment to eradicating hunger. Established in 2014, this initiative has already delivered over 1 billion meals and set ambitious goals to reach 1.5 billion by 2025. This vision extends beyond simple meal provision; it includes strategic investments in feeding agencies, disaster relief efforts, and volunteer engagement. These comprehensive strategies aim to create sustainable systems capable of addressing both current and future food security challenges.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that over one in seven Americans live in food-insecure households, emphasizing the urgency of such initiatives. Food Lion Feeds addresses these needs through multifaceted approaches, including product and equipment donations alongside financial contributions. Additionally, the program facilitates disaster recovery efforts and capital campaigns for feeding organizations. Volunteers play a crucial role in amplifying these efforts, dedicating countless hours to ensure every donation counts. By converting all investments into meal equivalents based on rigorous formulas, Food Lion provides transparency and accountability in its mission to nourish communities nationwide. This holistic strategy ensures that no individual is left behind in the fight against hunger.