Food Lion is celebrating more than 350 associates who are celebrating 30 years of service or more this year. Among them are three long-term associates from stores in the Gloucester-Mathews area.

Local associates recognized include Jonathan Smith (store manager of the Mathews Food Lion, 35 years of service), Tanya Smith (Retail Pricing Coordinator for the Hayes Food Lion, 35 years of service) and Cheryl Hall (Retail Pricing Coordinator for the Gloucester Food Lion, 30 years of service).

On April 18, associates were honored during an annual event where the retailer shares appreciation and gratitude for long-term associates, presenting them with the Years of Service Award. These individuals bring Food Lion’s brand, strategy and culture to life, and have served their towns and cities for 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years, a release stated.

At the event, each associate’s name, position, location and service milestone were read aloud and celebrated. Collectively, their tenure is 12,320 years.

“Recognizing the dedication and contributions of our associates who have served Food Lion for many years is a true honor for us,” said Food Lion president Meg Ham. “Their commitment to excellence, care for our customers and impact in the towns and cities we serve is invaluable. We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated associates who continue to make a positive difference every day,” she said.

Food Lion employs 82,000 associates at more than 1,100 stores across 10 states.