The Food Lion on Greensboro Road recently partnered with NASCAR driver Jeb Burton to bolster food donations for Feeding Southwest Virginia, encouraging shoppers to bring in pantry items or purchase food inside the store to contribute. Popular donation items included pop-top canned chicken, pop-top vegetables, and peanut butter.
Rob Ward, Food Lion’s director of operations for the Roanoke, Martinsville, and Danville areas, was on hand for the event, explaining the company’s mission. “Food Lion Feeds began in 2014, and it’s really about how our stores partner with our communities to address the needs faced by local food banks,” Ward said.
In addition to community support, many Food Lion associates enthusiastically contributed to the food drive. “We just get such an outpouring of enthusiasm from our associates,” said Bob Mills, community relations manager for Food Lion’s northern division.
Burton signed autographs and greeted fans, drawing a large crowd that boosted awareness for the cause. “This is the third event, and we’ve been able to raise a lot of food and funds to help those in need,” Burton said. The store also offered pre-signed posters at the Celsius Energy Drink table and free giveaways, including stuffed lions for Burton to autograph.
Burton noted the community’s generosity, saying, “The area is full of good, hardworking people, and there are a lot of people currently in need.” Cash donations were plentiful, with all contributions supporting the Henry County Food Pantry to directly aid the Martinsville and Henry County areas.
To make a direct donation, call the Henry County Food Pantry at (276) 629-1369.
