You have to be at least 16 years old to work at Food Lion. Most entry-level positions on the front end, such as cashier and bagger, are open to 16-year-olds, while other departments typically require you to be 18 or older.
Age Requirements by Position
Food Lion sets its minimum hiring age at 16 for front-end roles. These are the positions you’ll most commonly see filled by younger workers: cashiers, baggers, and courtesy clerks. If you’re 16 or 17, these are likely the jobs available to you when you apply.
For roles in other departments, such as the deli, bakery, meat department, or stocking, Food Lion generally requires you to be at least 18. These positions often involve equipment like slicers, compactors, or heavy lifting that federal labor laws restrict for workers under 18.
Federal Labor Laws for Workers Under 18
Even after Food Lion hires you, federal rules limit what you can do and when you can work if you’re under 18. For 16- and 17-year-olds, there’s no federal cap on daily or weekly hours, but you still can’t operate certain hazardous equipment like power-driven meat slicers or commercial bakery machines. That’s a big reason why Food Lion reserves those department roles for workers who are 18 and up.
If you’re 14 or 15, federal law does allow employment in certain retail settings, but Food Lion’s own policy sets the floor at 16, so being 14 or 15 won’t qualify you regardless of what federal rules permit.
Work Permits and State Rules
Food Lion operates across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and many of those states require minors to obtain a work permit or employment certificate before starting a job. Your school guidance office is usually the place to get one. Some states also impose their own limits on how late at night or how many hours per week a minor can work during the school year, and these rules can be stricter than the federal standards. Check with your state’s department of labor before your first shift to make sure you have the right paperwork.
How to Apply at 16
Food Lion accepts applications online through its careers page. You’ll search for open positions by location and apply directly. The process is straightforward: fill out your personal information, availability, and any prior work experience. If this is your first job, that’s fine. Front-end roles at grocery stores are among the most common first jobs for teenagers, and hiring managers expect to see applicants with no prior experience.
When listing your availability, be realistic about your school schedule. Stores appreciate flexibility on weekends and evenings, and being upfront about when you can and can’t work helps you get scheduled consistently. Bring your work permit (if your state requires one) and a valid form of ID to your interview or orientation.