WHEREAS, for 100 years, Food City, a supermarket chain based in Abingdon, has provided top quality products and exceptional services to its customers and made many valuable contributions to the region; and

WHEREAS, the first Food City store opened in 1918 in Greeneville, Tennessee, and the company is now owned by K-VA-T (Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee) Food Stores, which was established in 1955 in Grundy; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, Food City has steadily expanded into new market areas, while remodeling and replacing existing locations to ensure a clean, fun, and engaging shopping experience; in recent years, Food City has also opened more than 100 pharmacy locations and more than 80 fuel stations; and

WHEREAS, Food City cultivates strong relationships with local farmers, allowing fresh fruits and vegetables to be delivered directly to stores on the same day they are harvested; Food City also serves as a distributor for many beloved local brands, such as Kay's Ice Cream and Terry's Classic Snacks; and

WHEREAS, as the second-longest active sponsor in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Food City supports two of the most popular NASCAR races in the region, the Food City 500 and the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, and raises money for charitable organizations through Family Race Night events; and

WHEREAS, Food City places a high emphasis on community partnerships, and Food City employees have generously given their time and resources to many local charitable causes and events, including youth athletics, the United Way, food banks, clothing drives, and many other activities to help people in need; and

WHEREAS, Food City has received numerous awards and accolades and has been ranked as one of the top food retailers and privately-owned companies in the United States; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Food City hereby be commended on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Food City as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the company's legacy of service to the residents of Abingdon and communities throughout the region.