Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) received a generous food donation from Food Lion Feeds, the hunger-relief platform of Food Lion, a leading omnichannel grocery retailer. Working to alleviate food insecurity, Food Lion Feeds’ donation supports the university’s student food pantry to ensure students have access to nutritious food, allowing them to focus on learning and setting them up for success at SAU. The food donation results from Food Lion’s 30-year partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association and aligns with the start of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament on Feb. 26.

“We are deeply grateful to Food Lion Feeds for their generous donation to our student food pantry. This support is invaluable in ensuring that our students have access to nutritious food and overcome food insecurity,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “It is heartwarming to witness corporations like Food Lion stepping up to support the success of our students.”

Since 1994, Food Lion has fostered a partnership with the CIAA through scholarships, employment, and nourishing students and families experiencing hunger.

“The pantry at SAU has benefited me by getting me the food resources that I need without going into a grocery store,” said Keisharia McLaughlin, a freshman from Wagram, NC. “They have fruits, chips, snacks, and hygienic supplies for men and women. The pantry serves fresh food, and they also partner with the community to help get resources for the students of SAU. I’m happy and excited about Food Lion Feeds’ donation because their support helps us ensure we are equipped with nourishment to support our bodies and minds.”

By partnering with the CIAA, the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, Food Lion has supported countless students in the towns and cities where its partner schools are located. This year marks 30 years of providing opportunities for students and student-athletes, reinforcing Food Lion’s longstanding commitment and leadership in setting up students for success at HBCUs. In addition, Food Lion is the title sponsor of the 2024 Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament.

“Knowing that Food Lion and other companies are involved in such charitable actions makes me feel supported as an individual benefiting from the food pantry,” said Sthepanie Sierra Medina, a sophomore majoring in Business Administration from Honduras. “It’s a reminder that there are entities that genuinely care about the community’s well-being and are willing to contribute to making a positive difference. College life can be expensive, from buying groceries to personal hygiene items

and even the occasional meal out. The pantry has made college life easier for me, and I’m thankful for that.”

The partnership between SAU and Food Lion Feeds supports the mission of providing shelf-stable items to students facing food insecurity while promoting student success at SAU. In addition to providing products, Food Lion associates believe in the value of volunteerism. Six Food Lion associates stocked the shelves with canned chicken, beef stew, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, pasta sauce, instant oatmeal, cereal, and grits. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

“At Food Lion, we care for the towns and cities we serve because we know our neighbors and associates count on us every day,” said David Hardee, Community Relations Specialist, Mid-Atlantic Division, Food Lion. “Part of demonstrating care is nourishing our neighbors, including college students and their families, who experience hunger. We are honored to partner with Saint Augustine’s University and support their student food pantry, increasing access to nutritious food and setting students up for success.”

The donation to the SAU Food Pantry is one of many efforts Food Lion Feeds supports in partnership with universities in addition to its annual Score to Give More and Sack to Give Back initiatives.

“The support from Food Lion Feeds is instrumental in our efforts to address food insecurity among our students,” said Ms. Joyce Bannerman, Director of the SAU Food Pantry. “This generous donation will help us provide nutritious meals to those in need and create a positive and supportive environment for our students. We are truly grateful for Food Lion’s commitment to nourishing our community and supporting student success.”

Click here to learn more about Food Lion Feeds.

About Saint Augustine’s University Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine’s University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.

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 22 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 1 billion 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.