WS Chronicle

By Jess Schnur   

Yesterday, March 31, Food Lion announced the results of its seventh annual Orange Bag campaign, a customer-led initiative that allows neighbors to support Feeding America’s efforts to address food insecurity in local communities and provide nourishment to those in need. Founded in 2014, Food Lion Feeds was established by Food Lion to help combat hunger in the towns and cities it serves. Since its inception, more than 1 billion meals have been provided to those affected by food insecurity, and the organization has committed to donating 1.5 billion meals by 2025.   

“Ending hunger is a mission that requires strong collaboration, which is why we’re grateful for partners like Food Lion, who are helping us ensure everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive,” said Casey Marsh, chief development officer of Feeding America.   

Nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than one in four people in the U.S. participate in at least one food and nutrition assistance program each year. Participation in these programs has increased from the previous year, indicating that more individuals and families may be experiencing financial difficulties or facing hunger. More than 47 million people (1 in 7) were living in food-insecure households in 2023. Additionally, over 13 million children (1 in 5) were reported to live in these households, as well.  

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap resource, in Forsyth County, the overall food insecurity rate was listed at 14.5% as of 2022, with an annual food budget shortfall of $44,506,000 for 55,630 residents. This insecurity rate was reported at 22.2% for 19,280 children across the county. For the African American and Latino populations within the community, food insecurity rates were found to be disproportionately higher at 29% and 25%, respectively.   

The Orange Bag campaign, orchestrated by Food Lion Feeds, has utilized the sales of specially marked orange bags and check-out counter donations from their customers to support 33 food banks across the company’s 10-state footprint since 2019. The campaign announced that this year, the proceeds from customer donations from February 26 through March 18 helped provide 14.8 million meals across communities.   

“Thanks to the support of our customers, we are once again proud to share the impact the Orange Bag campaign is making to nourish our communities,” said Kevin Durkee, manager of Food Lion Feeds. “We are committed to doing our part because everyone deserves access to nutritious food. This annual campaign makes it easy for customers to help provide nutritious meals to their neighbors in need through our collaborating partner food banks.”   

But the fight to end hunger does not stop at the cash register; Food Lion Feeds also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities through many of its food bank partners, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest N.C. here in Winston-Salem. Community is crucial in helping the fight to end hunger, and doing one’s part – whether through volunteering or donation – can help make a difference for a neighbor in need.