Special to Iredell Free News

Iredell Community Outreach Association (Iredell COAST) has received $2,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help feed neighbors in their time of need.

Iredell COAST will use the gift to stock its community food pantry at 1540 E. Broad Street in Statesville.

“COAST is beyond thankful for the support from Food Lion Feeds. Support like this really helps our community members in need,”  said Executive Director Joshua McCrary. “As we see a rise in the need among Iredell and surrounding counties, the pressure and challenge of keeping our food bank stocked are really being felt.”

This gift will be used to purchase food that will benefit those in need. Through the Iredell COAST Community Food Bank Program, community members in need are able to get free food and assistance once per month.

Iredell COAST is the only Iredell County food bank open seven days a week.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants.