Food Lion Responds to Hurricane Irene Recovery Efforts

SALISBURY, N.C., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to a $6,000 donation to the American Red Cross, Food Lion has contributed more than $100,000 for in-kind donations to communities and disaster-relief agencies, and continues to respond to Hurricane Irene recovery efforts by contributing bottled water, food, ice and other items to aid communities affected by Hurricane Irene.

Food Lion also invites its customers to participate in its disaster-relief campaign held through Sept. 6 in support of the American Red Cross.

"At the peak of the storm, our company had more than 500 stores from South Carolina to Delaware affected by Hurricane Irene," said Tim Shipman, director of crisis management for Delhaize America. "The storm brought devastating damage to our markets and we quickly mobilized our recovery teams to restore service to our customers, ensure the safety of our associates and provide much-needed supplies to communities in need. It's a remarkable effort and a true testament to the dedication of our associates that we have reopened all but two Food Lion stores in the path of Irene, so we may serve our customers during this critical time."

As soon as the storm passed and areas were safe for re-entry, Food Lion quickly mobilized truckloads of free water, ice and ready-to-eat food to communities in dire need of these storm-related necessities, primarily in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.  The company distributed more than 21,600 gallons of water, approximately 20,000 bags of ice and more than 2,000 bottles of bleach to local residents, among other essential items. The company also provided support to associates affected by Hurricane Irene.

In addition, the company has partnered with the American Red Cross to accept register donations through Sept. 6 to support disaster-relief efforts and help replenish the American Red Cross Disaster Relief funds within the grocer's impacted areas. Customers in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland can donate at their neighborhood Food Lion stores. Funds raised through Sept. 6 will support American Red Cross efforts to serve those impacted by the hurricane.

"Hurricane Irene has deeply impacted the lives of many of our customers," said Bill Garcia, Food Lion community relations manager. "This campaign is another opportunity for us to help our neighbors in need, and we are happy to join others to lend a hand to the communities we call home.  From giving away truckloads of water to donating food and other items to the American Red Cross chapters, we are proud to serve our communities in a meaningful way during this time."

Food Lion has a long history of supporting its communities in the wake of natural disasters. Most recently, after a series of tornadoes ravaged the southeastern United States in April, the grocer donated more than $660,000 in food, water and other items to assist with the storm's aftermath. Toward the effort, Food Lion customers raised more than $224,000 in customer contributions, which was leveraged by the company's $25,000 donation and a $100,000 matching gift from the Western Union Foundation.

About Food Lion Family

The Food Lion family, based in Salisbury, N.C., operates more than 1,200 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Harveys or Reid's. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. The Food Lion family employs approximately 62,500 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

SOURCE Food Lion