Food Bank 40th Anniversary Celebration & Sort-A-Rama Packing Event Set for April 5th

By Submitted Story on March 18, 2023

Elizabeth City– Food Bank of the Albemarle will celebrate 40 years of hunger-relief efforts in the region on Wednesday, April 5^th with a free community event open to the public. The event will include tours of the new facility, complimentary food, and the return of the Sort-A-Rama food packing competition.

• Event Page: https://afoodbank.org/events/sortarama/
• Event Location: Food Bank of the Albemarle, 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City, NC
• Event Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“This is a monumental year for the Food Bank and we want to invite the community that has supported us over the last four decades to help celebrate,” said Liz Reasoner, Executive Director. “We’re excited to show our expanded facility, including the new Teaching Kitchen, which will help position us as a ‘Nutrition Bank’ as our efforts focus on improving the overall health of the community through nutritious food and healthy choices.”

The event start time is 4:30 p.m., which includes the kickoff for teams competing in the “Pack Madness” Sort-A-Rama event. Teams will have up to 12 people, and will bag up as many apples as possible within a 45 minute time limit. The Sort-A-Rama event is made possible by the 40^th Anniversary Sponsor: Food Lion, who plans to have multiple teams for the competition.

“Food Lion believes no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or fuel and groceries,” said Stephanie Oakley, Community Relations Specialist, Food Lion. “We are passionate about helping to end hunger in the towns and cities we serve. Food Bank of the Albemarle provides an invaluable service to the local community and does exceptional work every day to eliminate the choices families are forced to make when they are hungry. Food Lion and Food Lions Feeds are proud to sponsor and partner with Food Bank of the Albemarle during their 40^th Anniversary and year-round as we work together to feed our neighbors in need and create a better tomorrow, one meal at a time.”

• Tours of the facility will be provided by Food Bank staff. The Elizabeth City Fire Department will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for guest and volunteers, while supplies last.
• At 5:30 p.m., the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting to help dedicate the new facility.
• The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all Sort-A-Rama teams, and event guests are asked to RSVP in advance.

For more information, contact Brian Gray at 252-335-4035, ext. 113 or email brgray@afoodbank.org, or visit www.afoodbank.org

About Food Bank of the Albemarle

The Mission of the Food Bank is to fight hunger and poverty in our 15 county service area in northeast North Carolina. We are a regional clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of food and grocery items to over 100 non-profit and faith-based organizations for 155 food programs, and to individuals needing assistance. For more information call (252) 335-4035 or visit www.afoodbank.org.

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 1 billion 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.

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