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The North Carolina-based retailer donated $3.1 million this week for local hunger-relief efforts and COVID-19 research on vaccines and treatments at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine.


The North Carolina-based retailer donated $3.1 million this week for local hunger-relief efforts and COVID-19 research on vaccines and treatments at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine.

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March 31, 2020

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., announced today a $3.1 million donation, with the majority being earmarked to feed those who are in need right now and to help its neighbors who are significantly affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The company has made a $500,000 donation to fund medical research at UNC Health, where UNC School of Medicine scientists are working to develop promising treatments, protective vaccines and public health practices for COVID-19.

A $1 million donation, which is equivalent to 10 million meals, is aimed at nourishing and caring for local communities through Food Lion’s hunger relief platform, Food Lion Feeds. Last week, the company announced a $600,000 donation, including $500,0000, the equivalent of 5 million meals to support local Feeding America affiliated food bank partners in Food Lion’s 10-state footprint and $100,000 to Feeding America for their overall COVID-19 response efforts. The additional funds will provide relief for those who may need more support during these unprecedented times such as children who need food because of school closures, seniors who are on limited incomes as well as our neighbors who are laid off from their jobs and just need a little help.

Food Lion will also infuse $1 million into the Lion’s Pride Foundation, its associate emergency care fund to support associates whose families may be impacted by this crisis.

“At Food Lion, our customers and associates who are part of the towns and cities we serve, are at the heart of everything we do and now, more than ever, we want to make sure we care for and nourish them during this time,” said Meg Ham, Food Lion President. “Our neighbors’ lives have been changed so much over the past several weeks and we know many of our customers and associates’ families have been affected by the closure of schools and businesses as the entire nation works together to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. While these actions are necessary, our communities are struggling and it has further increased the need, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors, including seniors and children who struggle with food insecurity and all who are in fear of contracting the disease, to have access to fresh, affordable food.”

She added, “We will continue to do everything we can to get all our neighbors through this. We know our communities are counting on us during this pandemic crisis and we are here to support and provide care during this time.”