The North Carolina Collegiate Hunger Challenge is a partnership between Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion’s hunger-relief platform, and North Carolina Campus Engagement, empowering college students to raise awareness of food insecurity and take meaningful action on their campuses and in surrounding communities.
From September 8 to December 19, 2025, 14 North Carolina colleges and universities competed by earning points through food drives, pantry projects, educational events and awareness-building initiatives. Hannah Addair, Sustainability Program Director, Brooke Magee, Executive Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services, and McKenize Peurifoy, a Biochemistry major and Nutrition minor student graduating in 2026, led the efforts at Catawba. Through its participation, Catawba College students held food drives and bonus events, educational programming, focused on building consistency and making hunger awareness part of an ongoing campus conversation.
“I was surprised to learn how often food insecurity on college campuses can appear invisible,” Peurifoy shared. “Being part of this challenge allowed me to advocate for students who may not always know where to seek help or feel confident navigating the support systems that exist. I hope this win becomes a foundation, and not just a finish line. Many students were not aware of our on-campus food pantry, Laura’s Place, and this was such an amazing opportunity to spread the word about its new arrival.”
The partnership with Food Lion Feeds strengthened the overall outreach efforts at Catawba and reinforced the connection between campus action and community support. The Catawba team also utilized social media, campus communications, and peer engagement to reduce stigma around food insecurity and highlight the mission of Laura’s Place. Their goal was not just to win a prize, but to build a culture of awareness, empathy, and action.
“College students continue to demonstrate what’s possible when the passion to nourish our neighbors meets purpose,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. “This annual competition highlights the leadership, creativity and commitment of students who are taking action to support their peers and strengthen their campus communities.”
The $5,000 award was presented to Catawba College on February 11 during North Carolina Campus Engagement’s Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement Conference at Elon University in Elon, N.C.
“It has been a rewarding experience advising the Catawba Hunger Alliance and supporting Mckenzie in her efforts as our Student Ambassador for the 2025 Hunger Challenge,” said Magee. “We are excited for what the future holds for Laura’s Place Food Resource Center and are looking forward to participating in the next Hunger Challenge.”
Since 2019, the North Carolina Collegiate Hunger Challenge has awarded more than $185,000, equivalent to more than 1.8 million meals*.
*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.
About Food Lion
Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. Since 2014, the company’s hunger relief platform Food Lion Feeds has donated more than 1.5 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 3 billion meals by 2032. 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 Engagement 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.
