For reducing emissions from its refrigeration systems

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion’s efforts to reduce refrigerant emissions has earned the grocer the “Superior Goal Achievement” honor from the U.S. Environmental Agency’s GreenChill Program.

Food Lion has taken many steps to reduce its refrigerant emissions from its more than 1,100 stores. By placing doors on refrigerated cases and monitors on key refrigerant devices the retailer has lowered operating costs while reducing carbon emissions.

Food Lion was among 10 founding partners of the GreenChill Program, in 2007. The program’s manager, Kersey Manliclic, says Food Lion has been an engaged partner since the beginning.

“Their efforts are decreasing their impact on the ozone layer and climate change,” Manliclic says.

In 2021, Food Lion announced new sustainability goals, one of which is to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% from its own operations, in partnership with parent organization Ahold Delhaize USA. The grocer also works with suppliers with the aim of reducing emissions by 15% across the supply chain.

“Food Lion continues to take bold action to reduce our carbon footprint and deliver our sustainability goals,”  says Matt Yates, vice president, brand strategy, at Food Lion. “Food Lion believes that sustainability improves the quality of life for our neighbors, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations.”

Food Lion has routinely set and achieved multiple sustainability goals. Earlier this year, Food Lion became the only U.S. company to receive the EPA ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for 21 consecutive years.

Food Lion also has set industry-leading sustainable sourcing standards, increased recycling to divert more waste from landfills and donated the equivalent of more than 970 million meals through its pioneering Food Lion Feeds program.

In 2000, Food Lion was the first grocery retailer in the U.S. to introduce a food rescue program with Feeding America. Before it perishes, food is donated to local hunger relief organizations to feed neighbors in need across the grocer’s 10-state footprint.