Eli Lilly

United Way of Greater Charlotte to Provide 15,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce and Protein to Cabarrus County Through Charitable Support from Eli Lilly and Company to United Way Worldwide

Free community food distribution on September 26 celebrates Lilly’s 150th anniversary and expands access to nutritious food for Cabarrus County residents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 16, 2026) – As families across the country continue to face rising food costs and increasing barriers to accessing healthy meals, through charitable support from Eli Lilly and Company to United Way Worldwide, United Way of Greater Charlotte is providing 15,000 pounds of fresh produce and protein to Cabarrus County residents.

The charitable support provided by Lilly is part of a nationwide initiative marking the company’s 150th anniversary and promoting access to healthy food for people in need in 15 communities across the country.

United Way of Greater Charlotte will partner with The S.T.U.D.I.O. to host a free community food distribution on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethel Enrichment Center, 1209 Opal Street in Kannapolis. Cabarrus County residents will have access to fresh produce and protein at no cost while supplies last.

The event reflects United Way of Greater Charlotte’s commitment to strengthening economic stability and helping families access the basic needs that create a foundation for healthier, more stable lives. By working alongside trusted community partners like The S.T.U.D.I.O., United Way helps connect resources directly to the neighborhoods and residents who need them.

“This effort is more than providing food for today. It’s about helping families build healthier futures,” said Dr. Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Charlotte. “Too many families are forced to make difficult choices between buying groceries, paying rent, covering utilities or filling prescriptions. By working together with Lilly and our community partners, we’re helping ensure more people have access to nutritious food while strengthening the health and stability of individuals and families across our region.”

Nutritious food is a critical building block to lifelong health. It supports child development, helps adults manage chronic conditions and enables older adults to live healthier, more independent lives. Yet affordability, transportation and limited access to fresh food continue to create barriers for families. According to the Urban Institute’s Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey cited in the provided release template, one in four adults report experiencing household food insecurity and difficulty affording adequate food.

For United Way of Greater Charlotte, addressing food insecurity is part of a broader approach to creating greater economic stability for households across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union and Anson counties. Access to nutritious food is a basic need, and helping families meet those immediate needs can provide greater stability as they work toward long-term financial security.

For more than a century, Lilly and United Way have worked together to advance health initiatives, support education and address social determinants of health. Lilly is part of the President’s Circle of the United Way Leading Corporate Partners Program, and nearly 600 United Ways have been supported through Lilly employee giving programs and volunteering.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Free Community Food Distribution
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Bethel Enrichment Center, 1209 Opal Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083
Who: Cabarrus County residents
Distribution: 15,000 pounds of fresh produce and protein
Community Partner: The S.T.U.D.I.O.

About United Way of Greater Charlotte

For 95 years, United Way of Greater Charlotte has worked to improve lives and strengthen communities across the Charlotte region. Today, United Way works alongside residents, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders to address the complex challenges facing families and create greater opportunities for economic stability and well-being across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union and Anson counties.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ashley Green
Marketing & Communications Manager
United Way of Greater Charlotte