Graham, North Carolina -Alamance Community College has been named Grand Hunger Champion of the North Carolina Collegiate Hunger Challenge, a statewide competition recognizing student-led efforts to address hunger and food insecurity on college campuses. ACC was the first community college to ever win Grand Hunger Champion.
Alamance Community College received $10,000 to support the program Feeding Hungry Minds, which is aimed at reducing food insecurity in the ACC community. This award will help support the two food pantries, introduce refrigerated goods, and host events aimed at spreading awareness.
The Hunger Challenge team was led by student ambassador Hayden King and her staff mentors, Bella Ferreira and Jenny Brownell. This team was supported by Gilbert Umberger, Coordinator of Student Life and Engagement, and Darsell Hadley, Administrative Assistant of Student Support.
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 Sept. 8 to Dec. 19, 2025, 14 North Carolina colleges and universities competed by earning points through food drives, pantry projects, educational events and awareness-building initiatives. Alamance Community College students participated in 11 different events such as three food drives, interactive activities at college fairs, meal plating sessions, and having a float at the Burlington Christmas Parade. These events fostered a greater sense of campus pride, helped distribute free meals to students, and collected over 7000 items to support the two food pantries at ACC. Through these efforts, ACC was given the Most Food Collected bonus award.
“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 award was presented to Alamance Community College on Feb. 11 during North Carolina Campus Engagement’s Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement Conference at Elon University in Elon, N.C.
“This victory was powered by our incredible employees, student clubs, and community partners who showed up, gave generously, and made it FUN!” said Hadley. “Living proof of “To whom much is given, much is required" and our campus and community answered the call.”
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 Alamance Community College
Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.
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.