500 Food Lion Workers Volunteer for 1 Million Meals

When 500 people show up to help, amazing things happen fast.

Food Lion marked National Volunteer Week by sending employees to six food bank locations across North Carolina on Tuesday. At the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina's Wilmington site on Greenfield Street, volunteers spent the day sorting fresh produce donated by the grocery chain.

Emily Kraft, the food bank's director of community outreach, said the impact was immediate and powerful. Having hundreds of extra hands meant the organization could accomplish in one day what normally takes much longer.

"The work that our volunteers provide and having such a big day with so many volunteers is like doubling, tripling our staff for the day," Kraft explained. "That allows us to do a lot more work for our community."

The volunteers sorted through donations of fresh fruits and vegetables, preparing them for distribution to families throughout the region. Fresh produce is especially valuable for food banks because it helps ensure families get nutritious, healthy options alongside shelf-stable items.

The Ripple Effect

This volunteer day represents just one step in Food Lion's bigger commitment to fighting hunger in communities where they operate. The company has pledged to help provide three billion meals by 2032, a goal that requires consistent effort and creative partnerships with local organizations.

When major employers encourage their teams to volunteer together, the benefits multiply beyond the immediate work completed. Employees build stronger connections with their communities and see firsthand where their efforts make a difference. Food banks gain critical support that helps them serve more families more efficiently.

The timing during National Volunteer Week also shines a spotlight on the ongoing need for volunteer support at food banks year-round. While 500 volunteers can accomplish tremendous work in a single day, these organizations rely on consistent community involvement to meet daily demand.

One million meals will reach families across central and eastern North Carolina thanks to Tuesday's effort, turning fresh donations into accessible food for people who need it most.