Food Bank of the Albemarle held the annual “Sort-A-Rama” Food Packing event on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 4 – 6 pm at the Food Bank. Teams of local businesses, churches, organizations, and clubs participated in a friendly food packing competition. All food will be distributed throughout the Food Bank’s 15-county service area of Northeastern NC and their network of 100 hunger relief partner agencies and mobile food pantries.
“To all of our local businesses, churches, and community groups, we want to thank each and every one of you for your participation at this year’s Sort-A-Rama,” said Diana Flippo, Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “We also want to thank our Premier Sponsor Food Lion for their ongoing leadership-level support which helps make events like Sort-A-Rama Possible.”
This year’s event brought more than 350 volunteers and guests to the Food Bank for the competition. Teams bagged up fresh apples and potatoes within a 45 minute time limit.
The first team to finish was the Food Lion “Scrappy Sorters” from the Outer Banks, with a time of 22 minutes. Mile One Hall Automotive took first place in the Community Team division. Both teams received a first place trophy in their respective division.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to care for their neighbors,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. “At Food Lion, we know that meaningful impact starts with showing up and today is a powerful example of that. Through Food Lion Feeds, we’re proud to support the Food Bank of the Albemarle — not only by helping provide meals, but by standing alongside the volunteers who are making a real difference for families across this region.”
Sort-A-Rama is made possible thanks to:
Premier Sponsor: Food Lion
Platinum Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield; ECU Health; Mile One / Hall MileOne Autogroup
Gold Sponsors: Amerihealth Caritas;Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty; Revelle Builders
Partner Sponsors: Carolina Designs Realty; First Bank; Nucor; TowneBank/TowneInsurance; Whichard, Woolard, & Mitchell
