Food Lion announced Wednesday that it's made significant investments in 169 stores in North Carolina and South Carolina and created 500 new jobs.

According to the Business Journal, the company declined to disclose how much it invested, citing competitive reasons, but it said the amount was "significant." The investments have been based on customer feedback and will continue to position the company for future success, Food Lion said in a press release.

Key markets include Greenville, N.C., Wilmington, N.C., Columbia, S.C., Charleston, S.C., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.  

To celebrate the launch, Food Lion is holding grand re-opening festivities at the 169 stores, including providing the first 50 customers at each location with a bag of free groceries from Nov. 13 to Nov. 16. 

"With today's launch, nearly all Food Lion stores have received these store investments," said Greg Finchum, senior vice president of retail operations for Food Lion. "We invite customers to visit their local Food Lion, where they will experience firsthand new lower prices and other store enhancements, such as the greatest value in store brands and fresher produce. We hope that you will visit your local Food Lion and experience our changes."

Key changes also include 6,000 lower prices across its stores. Food Lion said it's worked to improve quality, enhance freshness and expand variety in its produce section backed by a double-your-money-back guarantee. 

Food Lion also plans to donate $2,000 to local food banks, which will help each agency provide up to 10,000 meals to its constituents. 

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., is a company of Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (DEG).  Food Lion, with a longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, operates more than 1,100 supermarkets in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, and employs approximately 57,000 associates.