Food Lion honors Shuman and others committed to hunger relief
Food Lion honored a select group of food banks, volunteers, community leaders and associates at the seventh annual Food Lion Feeds Feedys Awards. The event recognized those who dedicate their time and talents to providing meals, resources, education and hope to neighbors battling food insecurity in the towns and cities Food Lion serves.
“One of Food Lion Feeds’ visions is a world where no one is hungry or must choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries — where we all pull together to set families up for success in life,” said Kevin Durkee, manager of Food Lion Feeds. “Each individual and organization honored navigated challenges, embraced uncertainty and allowed it to propel them forward. They went above and beyond to support the unique needs of our neighbors, and it’s important to us that we honor and appreciate these incredible partners.”
The 2022 Feedys Awards winners include:
The Grand Lion Award – Shuman Farms Produce (Reidsville, GA)
This award, presented to a Food Lion supplier, recognizes outstanding commitment to partnering with and participating in Food Lion Feeds hunger-relief projects. A thought leader in the industry, Shuman Farms drives corporate outreach initiatives while inspiring and encouraging families in all aspects of health: nutrition, mental health, physical fitness and overall well-being.
Through various charitable projects and programs, Shuman Farms has donated more than 12 million meals to Feeding America since 2002. It created the Healthy Family Project initiative to encourage the produce industry to come together to create a healthier generation and raise money for community outreach.
The Food King Award – Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (Charlotte, NC)
This award honors a food bank that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, innovation, encouragement and motivation for others to take leadership roles in hunger-relief programming and community involvement.
The Lion Heart Award – Rachel Ayers, executive director of Helping and Healing Hearts (Smithfield, NC)
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.
The Lion Pride Award – Joyce Herbin, regional recruiting specialist (Elizabeth City, NC)
This award honors a Food Lion associate who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating store associates and volunteers for hunger-relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks. Herbin led regional efforts to encourage Food Lion neighbors to purchase more than 20,000 citrus bags, equivalent to 100,000 meals.
The Store that Roars Award – Food Lion at 620 Laura Duncan Rd., Apex, NC
This award honors a Food Lion store that demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating store associates, customers and volunteers to participate in hunger-relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks.
The Silver Plate Award – Peggy Dooley-Isley, community relations specialist (Salisbury, NC)
Peggy Dooley-Isley, a Food Lion associate who retired in May, is recognized for her 37 years serving Food Lion communities. Through her dedicated service, she helped develop Food Lion’s food rescue program, where food is donated to neighbors before it perishes. In addition, she served as a critical partner of food banks, feeding agencies and pantries, recruiting volunteers for hundreds of events to support Food Lion’s efforts to provide 1.5 billion meals by 2025.
