James H. Cary Intermediate School in Tappahannock received an unexpected celebration on May 5 as Food Lion marked Teacher Appreciation Week with a “Carts of Kindness” visit supported by Food Lion Feeds, the company’s hunger relief initiative.

Food Lion associates arrived at the school with a Food Lion To Go cart stocked with healthy snacks and drinks for teachers, staff, and students. Educators were also recognized with Pantry Pack meal kits featuring Food Lion brand ingredients and a curated recipe, along with personalized thank you notes, coupons, and gift cards.

The school was selected from more than 280 schools across Food Lion’s Norfolk/Virginia Division in recognition of its impact on students and the community. According to Food Lion, school leaders educators routinely go above and beyond to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, often investing personal time and resources to help ensure student success.

“Community support plays a vital role in the success of our schools and the well being of teachers,” said Preston Kinney, assistant store manager at Food Lion. “When we invest in schools like James H. Cary Intermediate, it helps provide resources and recognition while reinforcing that students and educators are valued. Partnerships like this strengthen connections with families and help create an environment where everyone can thrive.”

The school issued a public thank you to Food Lion Tappahannock, Food Lion corporate, and Kinney.

“A huge thank you to Preston McKinney and our local Food Lion family for the incredible love and support they continue to show our JCIS staff and students,” the school posted on Facebook.

“Preston has been such a wonderful supporter of our JCIS family, partnering with us for so many events and special occasions throughout the year. This week, he went above and beyond once again by entering our school into a Teacher Appreciation grant alongside 160 other schools — and JCIS was selected as the winner,” the school added.

The Tappahannock event was one of six large scale Carts of Kindness surprises taking place across Food Lion’s 10 state operating area during Teacher Appreciation Week.