North Carolina Campus Compact has joined forces with Food Lion Feeds to launch a “Collegiate Challenge” that will mobilize colleges and universities to address hunger in their local community. A geographically diverse group of 18 schools — including 4-year colleges and universities and 2-year community colleges — will compete for $20,000 in funding to support campus-based hunger relief projects, while generating donations to local food banks.
Schools can earn points in the challenge by organizing hunger awareness events and food donation drives. Individual students can earn points for their school by shopping at local Food Lion stores or posting on social media. Each campus selected an MVP Student Ambassador to help organize the Collegiate Challenge, which runs from September 17 – December 3.
“We are excited to partner with NC Campus Compact and these 18 campuses that are already doing so much around food insecurity,” said Pat Taft, Community Relations Manager for Food Lion. “It is a natural fit for us because we are passionate about feeding our neighbors who shop with us and those who may have the difficult task of choosing between rent and gas and groceries. We want to encourage the great work these students are already doing and by supporting their efforts we can broaden the reach of our hunger relief efforts in the towns and cities we serve.”
College campuses across the country and in North Carolina are taking steps to address student hunger. UNC Pembroke and Wake Community College are among a number of schools with on-campus food pantries, and a recent study by NC State University found 14% of students had experienced low or very low food security in the past month.
Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has made a commitment to provide 500 million meals to individuals and families in need by the end of 2020. Since the launch of Food Lion Feeds in 2014, the grocer has donated more than 400 million meals through in-store campaigns, in-store food rescue programs and associate volunteerism.
About Food Lion
Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,000 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 63,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has committed to provide 500 million meals to individuals and families in need by the end of 2020. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Royal Ahold Delhaize Group. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.