Food Lion Feeds, the philanthropic arm of Food Lion, honored a select group of food banks, volunteers, community leaders, and associates at the eighth annual Feedys Awards. The event celebrates and recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to helping those in the community facing food insecurity.
“We at Food Lion Feeds envision a world where no one goes hungry, where families do not have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries, and where everyone works together to nourish families and set them up for success,” said Kevin Durkee, manager at Food Lion Feeds, in a statement. “Despite each individual and organization’s challenges, they persevere and embrace uncertainty to nourish our neighbors. As a result of their tireless work and leadership, we recognize and honor their exceptional partnership and compassionate efforts.”
The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions:
The Food King Feeding Partner Award–Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries (Augusta, Georgia)
This award honors a food bank demonstrating outstanding commitment through financial support, innovation, encouragement, and motivation for others to take leadership roles in hunger-relief programming and community involvement. A vital part of the community since 1978, Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries has partnered with 12 churches to address food insecurity. In 2022, DCCM distributed nearly 200,000 pounds of food to more than 5,700 individuals.
The Lion Heart Volunteer Award–V.O. Dobbins Jr., Volunteer Leader, Central Baptist Church Food Ministry (Kingsport, Tennessee)
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of donors and volunteers for hunger-relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks. Dobbins Jr. has been a volunteer leader for more than 30 years. Dobbins’ ability to lead, motivate, manage, and inspire others allows the ministry to serve approximately 350 individuals monthly through a mobile food distribution model he initiated during the pandemic.
The Grand Lion for Good Vendor Award–Robinson Fresh, Produce Supplier (Duplin County, North Carolina)
This award, presented to a Food Lion supplier, recognizes outstanding commitment to partnering with and participating in Food Lion Feeds’ hunger-relief projects. Since Food Lion Feeds launched in 2014, Robinson Fresh has been the sole vendor of the Food Lion Feeds Apple Bag campaign. In 2022, Food Lion Feeds partnered with customers to provide 4.5 million meals through this annual campaign.
The Store that Roars Motivational Award–Food Lion in Warrenton, Virginia
The Food Lion store is a longtime supporter of Fauquier Food Bank in Warrenton, Virginia, providing food donations. The employees also regularly volunteer their time and resources to help increase the reach and impact of the food bank.
This year, Food Lion also honored two employees of North Carolina stores with the Lion’s Pride Store Associate Award, Brenda Howell and Demetrius Morrison. The award recognizes those coordinating and motivating others to participate in hunger relief projects.
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