Food Lion expands education assistance programs for employees

Food Lion is enhancing its education assistance program for its associates.

The Salisbury, N.C.-based company, which serves towns and cities across 10 states, announced program expansions that include tuition reimbursement for all part-time and full-time associates, as well an increase in tuition reimbursement for full-time associates and discounted degree programs at 15 education providers.

Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for tuition reimbursement, which includes tuition, books and class-required fees from any credited learning institution after six months of continuous employment.

“Food Lion employs over 82,000 associates at different stages of their careers, and it’s imperative that we provide an equitable playing field for each and every one,” said Linda Johnson, senior vice president, chief human resources and communications officer at Food Lion. “We encourage and support our associates to always learn and grow. Enhanced tuition reimbursement benefits and educational programs provide greater opportunities for all Food Lion associates.”

In addition, the retailer also shared that it will offer more than 250 degree programs from 15 education providers at a reduced cost. Degree programs include online and in-person courses to earn undergraduate degrees or certificates, as well as graduate degrees. Access to these discounted educational offerings is available to all associated on their first day of employment, the company said.

Lastly, Food Lion is launching an education assistance program in partnership with Workforce Edge, a complete employee education management platform powered by Strategic Education. Through this partnership, the retailer’s associates will obtain access to several educational institutions, including two Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Associates who choose to pursue degrees outside of Workforce Edge programs will be able to receive tuition reimbursement. Full-time associates can receive up to $3,000 reimbursement and part-time associates are eligible for up to $500 per calendar year, the company said.