SALISBURY — Food Lion Feeds is donating $50,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to provide more than 3,000 boxes of food and supplies for local families in need.

“Nourishing our neighbors is core to everything we do, and we know that many of our neighbors have been tremendously impacted by the recent school and business closures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Meg Ham, Food Lion president. “Hunger is a lot closer than you think, and that’s why we’ve always been committed to fighting food insecurity in the towns and cities we serve. That need is heightened right now, and we want our neighbors to know they can count on us during this unprecedented time. We’ll continue to stay closely connected to our community partners and ensure we do everything we can to help provide stability in the weeks and months ahead.”

The donation is part of $600,000 in pledged donations the retailer has made to help its neighbors in need as a response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina would like to thank Food Lion Feeds for their generous support as we struggle to meet the additional requests for food caused by COVID-19. This is a time of unprecedented need and we applaud partners like Food Lion for taking a leadership role in making sure everyone in our region has enough to eat,” said CEO Kay Carter.

Up to 5.5 million seniors in America and one in seven children across Food Lion’s 10-state footprint are food-insecure. $500,000 of the donation will be donated directly to community partners serving towns and cities in the communities where Food Lion operates. The additional $100,000 will be donated to Feeding America to support its overall response efforts.

 

Local app design group develops new coronavirus app

CHARLOTTE — After losing a family friend and learning of four others infected with COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, Edgy Design Group decided to figure out a way to be a resource to others.

Edgy Design Group, located in Pineville, has created an innovative app called “Coronavirus Updates App” that captures and disseminates up-to-the-minute information around the coronavirus pandemic to include updates on the virus, symptoms, prevention tips and live outbreak updates in any state or nation. The app is free and available for Android systems at this time. For more information visit www.CaronavirusAndroid.com or download the app.

The new app was initially developed at the onset of the virus as a way to provide a resource for Android users, right in the palm of their hands. But, after losing a family friend and learning of four others that are sick with the virus in app developer Lesley Wilson’s hometown of Indiana, the team knew it was imperative to launch the app as soon as possible.

“The ‘Coronavirus Updates App’ is significant because in this time of uncertainty, society needs an innovative resource of credible and up-to-date facts,” Wilson said. “I want users to gain empowerment and peace of mind by knowing how to protect themselves against the impact of Covid-19.”

Through a partnership, updates are received from Johns Hopkins University and The CDC. Each of the sources are notated on each screen of the app.

 

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare launches COVID-19 Relief Fund

CHARLOTTE — Cardinal Innovations Healthcare announced on Thursday the establishment of the COVID-19 Relief Fund to address the needs of communities impacted by COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus. In keeping with the organization’s philosophy of investing in the communities it serves, Cardinal Innovations created the $1 million COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local efforts that are improving the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations affected by the virus, especially for individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

“The impact the virus is having on individuals and communities is heartbreaking,” said Cardinal Innovations CEO Trey Sutten. “These are our neighbors and our communities, and Cardinal is in a position to help.  We’re going to do everything we can to ensure that services and supports are available for those who need them.”

The fund has been created with dollars already approved by the Board of Directors for community reinvestment and will be part of a large-scale effort encompassing the stability of our network of providers, continued access to care for our members, and local community initiatives.

Cardinal Innovations will prioritize requests that make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Grants up to $20,000 will be awarded.

Proposals will be considered from organizations within Cardinal Innovations’ service area, which includes 20 counties: Alamance, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance and Warren.

The first $20,000 of the fund has been committed to the Foundation for the Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolina’s “COVID-19 Response Fund.”

To better respond to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations is accepting applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic and will employ an expedited review process.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.

 

Chewy Partners with GreaterGood.org to provide essentials to animal shelters and rescues

DANIA BEACH, Fla. — Chewy, Inc. announced it is working alongside GreaterGood.org and other non-profit partners to donate more than $1.7 million in pet food, healthcare supplies and other products to animal welfare organizations most severely affected by the regional economic impact of coronavirus.

“As GreaterGood.org works to support animal shelters and rescues nationwide during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak, Chewy’s support has been critical,” said Liz Baker, CEO at GreaterGood.org. “The unprecedented sheltering crisis that has resulted from the pandemic leaves many animal welfare organizations without basic supplies, and pet food is in especially in high demand. Chewy’s donations make it possible for many shelters to continue to save pets’ lives through this difficult time.”

“Chewy is committed to helping shelters and rescues, who provide a valuable and essential service to the health and well-being of animals in communities across the country, during this unprecedented time. We remain dedicated to our partners operating on the frontlines of the current situation and will continue to look for ways to donate more. By partnering with GreaterGood.org, we are able to direct resources to pets in highly impacted regions who need it most,” said Sumit Singh, CEO at Chewy.

Over the last 30 days, Chewy and its network of non-profit distribution, shelter, and rescue partners, have focused efforts on regions most immediately impacted by the economic and social effects of coronavirus, including California, Washington, New York, and others. Chewy will continue directing ongoing food and product donations through the month of April, and beyond, with the assistance of GreaterGood.org, a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting people, pets, and the planet.