Food Lion Feeds is donating the equivalent of more than 805,000 meals to campus food pantries and local Feeding America partner food banks through its annual Sack to Give Back program, surpassing last season’s total and continuing its commitment to fighting food insecurity among college students.

Now in its seventh season, the initiative engaged 34 collegiate football teams during the 2025 season. For every quarterback sack recorded, Food Lion Feeds pledged the equivalent of 1,000 meals, up to 30,000 meals per school, benefiting on-campus pantries or nearby food banks serving students.

The need is significant. According to a recent NPR report, two in five college students experience food insecurity, a challenge that directly affects academic performance, health, and overall well-being. As students return to campus for a new semester, the Sack to Give Back program helps ensure they can focus on their studies instead of where their next meal will come from.

“Food insecurity doesn’t follow a schedule,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager of Food Lion Feeds. “This program helps strengthen campus food pantries and supports students so they can thrive.”

Since its launch in 2019, Sack to Give Back has helped provide the equivalent of more than 4.6 million meals to students and families across Food Lion’s 10-state footprint.

Maryland Schools Make a Big Impact

Maryland colleges played a meaningful role in this year’s success, translating on-field performance into critical food support for local communities:

  • University of Maryland recorded 27 sacks, resulting in 27,000 meals donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.
  • Towson University tallied 20 sacks, generating 20,000 meals for the Maryland Food Bank.
  • Bowie State University earned 17 sacks, equating to 17,000 meals donated to its campus Nutrition Lounge pantry.

Together, these efforts highlight how Maryland institutions are leveraging athletics to drive tangible community impact.

CIAA Connections as Conference Heads to Baltimore

Several participating schools are members of the CIAA, including Bowie State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Winston-Salem State University, and Johnson C. Smith University.

With the CIAA Basketball Tournament coming to Baltimore next month—and Food Lion serving as a sponsor—the Sack to Give Back results underscore the retailer’s broader commitment to HBCUs, student success, and hunger relief across the region.

Through programs like Sack to Give Back and its companion Score to Give More initiative, Food Lion Feeds continues to show how sports, partnerships, and purpose can come together to make a lasting difference for students and communities alike.

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