In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program – the federal legislation which led to the creation of Meals on Wheels – Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion Feeds is donating $50,000, or the equivalent of 5,000 meals, to Meals on Wheels America to nourish seniors.
The donation coincides with a 50-hour fundraising campaign that Meals on Wheels is hosting to mark this anniversary. Through the campaign, Food Lion Feeds will donate $2 for every $1 donated, up to $50,000, beginning midnight on March 15 and for the next 50 hours.
“Fighting senior hunger is one of Food Lion Feeds’ focus areas, so we’re excited to partner with our neighbors and Meals on Wheels to make a meaningful difference in nourishing homebound seniors,” said Kevin Durkee, manager of Food Lion Feeds.
“Partnering with organizations like Meals on Wheels to eliminate barriers our neighbors face to access affordable, nutritious food is critical. Additionally, the added benefit of a personal connection for homebound seniors in the towns and cities Food Lion serves is an important program component, especially during the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has made programs like Meals on Wheels even more valuable, as eight out of 10 local Meals on Wheels programs report serving more home-delivered meals now than prior to the pandemic. Additionally, more than seven million seniors have incomes below the poverty line. This equals an income of $240 a week or less, which leaves very little for food after housing expenses.
Further, half of seniors living alone lack the financial resources to pay for basic needs. Meals on Wheels often represents a lifeline for these seniors.
Kristine Templin, chief development officer with Meals on Wheels America, said, “We’re so grateful for the support of partners like Food Lion Feeds who are aligned in our efforts to ensure no senior is left hungry or isolated. This generous donation will go a long way, particularly as Meals on Wheels programs across the country continue to see an increased demand for services at the two-year mark of the pandemic.”
Donations to the Meals on Wheels 50-hour campaign can be made here.
Food Lion has more than 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 82,000 associates. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 900 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025.
Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam, Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize.
For more information, visit foodlion.com.
