Feeding America's Summers Without Hunger: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Childhood Food Insecurity

In a remarkable display of community spirit, Food Lion customers and vendor partners have come together to provide over 36 million meals through the Summers Without Hunger initiative, doubling the previous year's efforts. This annual campaign has become a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of children facing food insecurity during the summer months.

Empowering Communities to Nourish the Future

Addressing a Critical Need

With over 22 million children in the United States relying on school meals during the academic year, the summer months can be a particularly challenging time for families struggling with food insecurity. The Summers Without Hunger campaign aims to bridge this gap, ensuring that children have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive even when school is out.The campaign's success is a testament to the power of collaboration. By partnering with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, and local food banks, Food Lion has been able to leverage its resources and reach to make a significant impact in the communities it serves.

Empowering Customers to Make a Difference

At the heart of the Summers Without Hunger initiative is the active participation of Food Lion customers. By purchasing specially designed reusable bags for just at any Food Lion store, customers become catalysts for change, directly contributing to the provision of nutritious meals for children in need.The impact of these customer contributions is amplified through the generosity of ten Food Lion suppliers, who have pledged to match the proceeds from the bag sales. This means that every bag purchased helps provide the equivalent of 60 meals, doubling the reach of each individual contribution.

Fostering Sustainable Solutions

The Summers Without Hunger campaign is more than just a short-term solution. It is part of Food Lion's broader commitment to addressing food insecurity through its Food Lion Feeds initiative, which has helped provide over 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014.By investing in capital campaign support for feeding agencies, providing disaster relief and recovery efforts, and encouraging volunteer hours from its associates, Food Lion is working to build a sustainable infrastructure to combat hunger in the communities it serves. The company's goal of donating 1.5 billion meals by 2025 is a testament to its unwavering dedication to this cause.

Empowering Partnerships for Lasting Change

The success of the Summers Without Hunger campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration. By working closely with Feeding America, local food banks, and its valued vendor partners, Food Lion has been able to amplify the impact of its efforts and reach more families in need.As Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, eloquently stated, "By working together, we can support kids facing food insecurity and help to ensure they have the food they need to thrive." This collaborative spirit is at the heart of the Summers Without Hunger initiative, and it is this collective effort that will continue to drive meaningful change in the fight against childhood food insecurity.