15 Campuses Partnering with Food Lion Feeds and NC Campus Engagement to Address Food Insecurity in North Carolina
Winners of Collegiate Hunger Challenge to receive up to $22,000 toward hunger relief
Through the 4th annual Collegiate Hunger Challenge, 15 NCCE member campuses will compete for up to $22,000 in cash and prizes for their efforts to fight hunger on and around their campus. The Collegiate Hunger Challenge was created by Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina Campus Engagement in 2018. Since that time 28 North Carolina colleges and universities have participated.
Through the competition, which runs from Sept 26, 2022 – Jan. 6, 2023, campuses will earn points based on several activities the school participates in, all centered around combating food insecurity and raising awareness about the issue. (pictured: NC Central University students participating in the Hunger Challenge Launch Event the week of September 26, 2022.)
“We know hunger on and around college campuses is a significant issue, and we’re excited to partner with the next generation of leaders to find solutions for our neighbors in need,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds. “The Collegiate Hunger Challenge is a creative way to address food insecurities in our communities and support our partners in education.”
The Collegiate Hunger Challenge also kicks off in September to align with Hunger Action Month™, a time when Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina Campus Engagement deepens its commitment to raise awareness and inspire action to help people facing impossible choices resulting from food insecurity.
As part of the challenge, each school selects one or two MVP Student Hunger Ambassadors responsible for leading the effort. A faculty/staff mentor provides support. Each participating school receives an activity fund, marketing materials and ongoing support. The ambassador will receive a stipend upon completion of the campaign. Each school also selects a social media handle to highlight their campaign on Instagram. Follow the #foodlionfeeds hashtag to see related posts. Below are the 2022 Hunger Ambassadors.
| Appalachian State University | Meredith | Maiken |
| Appalachian State University | Arden | McKee |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Ariana | Caballero Dominguez |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | Breanna | Spaugh |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | Elijah | Robbins |
| Durham Technical Community College | Jessica | Zettlemoyer |
| East Carolina University | Katie | Schiwy |
| Elizabeth City State University | Arrietta | Putman |
| Fayetteville State University | Michelle | Simmons |
| Fayetteville State University | Kamaria | Marshall |
| Guilford College | John | Romero Alfaro |
| Guilford College | Madison | Spivey |
| NC Central University | Shadiamond | Simms |
| Piedmont Community College | Kayla | Rice |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Ngoc | Le |
| UNC Charlotte | Matthew | McGrew |
| UNC Greensboro | Maria | Campuzano Rodriguez |
| UNC Pembroke | Elizabeth | Eddings |
| UNC Wilmington | Cassidy | McFadden |
“This is such a powerful example of how higher education and business can partner to address a public issue for which they both are concerned, such as hunger and food insecurity,” said Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of North Carolina Campus Engagement. “It is so exciting to witness the passion and hard work of the student hunger ambassadors as they develop the civic skills to continue to be community leaders in the future.”
Winners will be announced Jan. 13, 2023. A check presentation ceremony will occur Feb. 15, 2023, at the North Carolina Campus Engagement President’s Forum at High Point University.
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 21 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 970 million 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.