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UNC Charlotte Partners with Food Lion Feeds and NC Campus Engagement to Address In-State Food Insecurity

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Winners of Collegiate Hunger Challenge to receive up to $22,000 toward hunger relief

UNC Charlotte is participating in the fourth annual Collegiate Hunger Challenge, where it will compete against 14 other North Carolina colleges and universities now through Jan. 6, 2023, for up to $22,000 in cash and prizes available to winning colleges for their efforts to fight hunger on and around their campus. 

Matthew McGrew, a sophomore Electrical Engineering major, will serve as the MVP Student Hunger Ambassador and lead the campaign at Charlotte. Matthew McGrew was selected because of his dedication to volunteering at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry and his passion for assisting people experiencing food insecurity.  

“To me, being an ambassador is important because it gives me a position to help spread the word to all the students and employees of Niner Nation,” McGrew said. “We are here if you find yourself struggling to have reliable access to nutritious food.”

The Charlotte faculty/staff mentor for the challenge is Jes Dormady, assistant director in Leadership & Community Engagement who oversees the Jamil Niner Student Pantry. Each participating school receives an activity fund, marketing materials and ongoing support. The ambassador will receive a stipend upon completion of the campaign. 

“The Jamil Niner Student Pantry has seen a sharp increase in usage since this semester began so this challenge provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness about the pantry, reduce stigma around food insecurity, and, hopefully, win $10,000 to support our pantry,” Dormandy said.

The Collegiate Hunger Challenge was created by Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina Campus Engagement, a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students on civic and social responsibility. Through the competition, which runs from Sept. 26, 2022 – Jan. 6, 2023, UNC Charlotte will earn points based on several activities the school participates in, all centered around combating food insecurity and raising awareness about the issue. 

Since the statewide Hunger Challenge began in 2018, 32 North Carolina colleges and universities have participated, including UNC Charlotte in 2018 and 2020.

“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 challenge is designed to bring the community together and create hands-on student learning opportunities as well.

“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 Compact 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

About North Carolina Campus Engagement

North Carolina Campus Compact is a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change and strengthening democracy. Learn more at nccampusengagement.org