News Summary
William & Mary football has partnered with Food Lion Feeds to tackle food insecurity among college students through the Sack to Give Back initiative. In its sixth year, this program connects football performance to community support, delivering over 21,000 meals this season to aid students in need. This collaboration emphasizes the vital link between nutrition and academic performance while engaging 34 colleges in the fight against hunger.
Williamsburg, Virginia – William & Mary Football Teams Up with Food Lion Feeds to Combat Student Hunger
William & Mary football is joining forces with Food Lion Feeds to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among college students. The collaboration marks the sixth year of the Sack to Give Back initiative, which seeks to provide nourishment to communities in areas served by Food Lion.
Food insecurity has become a significant concern across the nation. According to a study by the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University, nearly half of all college students face food insecurity. To combat this alarming trend, the Sack to Give Back program has emerged as a vital resource for students and local communities.
Since its launch in 2019, the program has delivered over 3.8 million meals to college pantries and local community organizations. This success underscores the impact of collaborative efforts to alleviate hunger in educational settings.
How the Program Works
The unique aspect of the Sack to Give Back initiative lies in its connection to college football performances. Food Lion Feeds pledges to donate meals based on the number of quarterback sacks made by participating football teams. For every sack, the equivalent of 1,000 meals is donated, with the total donations capped at 30,000 per school.
This year, William & Mary football made a strong showing, achieving 21 sacks throughout the season. As a result, the program donated 21,000 meals to assist those in need within the community. The donations for the 2025 program will specifically benefit the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, a critical resource for combatting hunger in the region.
Emphasizing Academic Performance
According to research presented by program leaders, access to healthy meals has a direct effect on students’ academic performance. Ensuring that students have adequate nutrition can significantly contribute to their overall success in the classroom.
Launch and Participation
The Sack to Give Back program is set to kick off in September, aligning its launch with Hunger Action Month, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about hunger issues in America. This timing amplifies the program’s mission and adds urgency to its goals.
For this year, William & Mary is part of a larger network, joining 34 colleges and universities that are committed to the fight against student hunger through various initiatives. The collective efforts emphasize how sports can serve as a platform for social good, uniting schools and communities in addressing a critical issue.
Conclusion
The partnership between William & Mary football and Food Lion Feeds illustrates a proactive approach to tackling food insecurity among students. As both organizations continue to collaborate through the Sack to Give Back program, they aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and communities in need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Food Trucks Set to Satisfy Cravings in Historic Triangle
New Business Openings and Community Initiatives in Virginia
New York State’s Budget Plans: Cellphone Ban and Tax Cuts
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Help Sleigh Hunger in Greater Williamsburg at the Christmas in July Food Drive
- Daily Press: Feeding with Love: Area’s First Free Grocery Market Opens in Grove Community
- WYDaily: Virginia Establishes Food Pantry Program for Public Colleges
- Blue Book Services: Food Lion Feeds Transforms Community Food Pantries
- WTKR: 30 Commissioners of Revenue in Virginia Organize Statewide Donation Effort to Fight Food Insecurity
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
