SALISBURY, N.C., Dec. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To help neighbors in Moore County, NC, recover from a massive power outage, Food Lion is donating $30,000 in gift cards to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. The gift cards will be distributed through the food bank’s partner agencies located in Moore County (listed below). The six Food Lion stores in Moore County also hosted free water distributions for neighbors this week, providing access to a critical resource at a needed time.

“Caring for our neighbors is core to everything we do at Food Lion,” said Meg Ham, President, Food Lion. “We know it’s a stressful time, and we hope this donation will help provide comfort and critical resources at a time when our neighbors really need it.”

“The donation of gift cards to our partner agencies will be very beneficial as our community begins to restock its food supply after this horrific attack on the Moore County power system,” said Michael Cotten, Sandhills Branch Director, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. “Many of our agencies and community partners have lost everything in their refrigerators and freezers, and this very generous donation will be a significant impact to them getting back on their feet.”

The gift cards will be distributed in $20 increments at the following food bank agencies in Moore County while supplies last:

About Food Lion
Food Lion is an omnichannel retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors during the moments that matter most. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Through its ‘Count on me’ culture, Food Lion fosters a sense of belonging for all associates, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that has supported LGBTQ+ equality for nearly two decades. Food Lion is the only company in the country to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 21 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 970 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d4350d0-e9f1-470c-b82c-24982ac1440d