Food Lion Partnering with BSU Through the “Food Lion Feeds Program”

Since 1994, Food Lion has fostered a partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and was the major sponsor of the 2024 CIAA men’s basketball tournament.  Now that Bluefield State University has become a CIAA member, BSU students and student-athletes are benefiting from this partnership.

At the recent CIAA basketball tournament in Baltimore, Food Lion Community Relations Specialist (Northern Division) Bob Mills met with Bluefield State Director of Student Activities Anne Pelchar to talk about the omnichannel retail’s Food Lion Feeds program.

To nourish students at Bluefield State University, Food Lion Feeds has donated 25 gift cards, which will be distributed through the BSU Student Government Association’s student food pantry,” noted Pelchar.  “The Food Lion Feeds program is really important to Bluefield State students facing food insecurity.”  According to Pelchar, BSU has many students, including first-generation college students, who face financial challenges. “Mr. Mills explained that the Food Lions Feed initiative could send pallets of food to help restock our food pantry, Pelchar said.

“At Food Lion, we care for the towns and cities we serve because we know our neighbors and associates count on us every day,” Mills explained.  “Part of demonstrating care is nourishing our neighbors who experience hunger.  We are humbled to partner with Bluefield State University and support their student food pantry, increasing access to nutritious food and setting students up for success.”

“The support of Food Lion will be a tremendous help to our students and Student Government Association,” Pelchar said.  “Now, instead of raising funds to purchase food for the food pantry, SGA can focus on meeting the additional needs of our students and expanding their service within the community.

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 Delhaise USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize.  For more information, visit foodlion.com