JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and its enduring commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity. The grocer will continue its annual participation in today’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday Grand Parade in its hometown of Jacksonville. As a recipient of the grocer’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant, the staff and supporting families of Sanctuary on 8th Street will join Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie volunteers along the parade route for a memorable experience to encourage and empower Jacksonville youth in need.
SEG has also partnered with the American Red Cross in its weeklong effort to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service by participating in the organization’s “Sound the Alarm” campaign on Tuesday, Jan. 17 to protect underserved communities from home fires. To keep families safe from the nation’s most frequent disaster, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie associates will help the Red Cross install free fire alarms for Orange Park residents in need and share important safety information to further protect themselves and their loved ones. Additionally, the SEG Gives Foundation has donated $100,000 to help the Red Cross in its mission to save lives through its Home Fire Campaign. Founded in 2014, the initiative aims to prevent fire-related deaths and injuries that take the lives of seven people each day and causes more than $7 billion in property damages each year.1
Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspires our steadfast commitment to inclusivity, as we strive to eliminate long-standing barriers throughout the diverse communities we serve. Joining our hometown MLK Parade and partnering with the American Red Cross for a day of service for neighbors in need allows us an exceptional opportunity to live out Dr. King’s dream, while supporting our customers both inside and outside of our stores. We are all stronger together.”
SEG takes pride in fostering a culture of belonging for associates, customers and communities throughout its five-state footprint. In 2022, following the 103rd birthday of the grant’s namesake, SEG and its charitable arm, the SEG Gives Foundation, presented vital funds totaling $300,000 to 30 nonprofits through the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant, which will begin accepting applications for its 2023 program this summer. The corporate initiative supports deserving nonprofits in the fight for racial equity and social justice while addressing widespread disparities in education, food insecurity and health care. Since the grant’s inception in 2020, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation have awarded $685,000 in funding to 63 deserving community organizations that take meaningful action to help combat social injustice by bridging the gap of inequities experienced by underrepresented populations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
SEG’s wholehearted commitment to its people and communities was recognized last year by Store Brands, naming SEG its Retailer of the Year and presenting the grocer with an Impact Award for community service and local impact. Store Brands also awarded SEG for its commitment to workforce development and employee support, while Progressive Grocer recognized the grocer for its dedication to elevating its communities by empowering belonging, inclusion and diversity. The Shelby Report also awarded SEG their Diversity & Inclusion Award. Additionally, the grocer received 4.5 stars on Newsweek’s rating of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 for Diversity and was certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year.
About Southeastern Grocers
Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer and one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S., serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies as well as online with convenient grocery delivery throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.
About SEG Gives Foundation
SEG Gives Foundation is the charitable arm of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. The SEG Gives Foundation aligns giving with causes that are priorities to the communities SEG serves, including the fight against hunger, support for military service members and their families, relief to those affected by extreme weather and natural disasters and championing belonging, inclusion and diversity by combating social injustice to bridge the gap of inequities faced by many individuals, families and communities. Southeastern Grocers strives to be ingrained in its communities and, through the SEG Gives Foundation, better the lives of its customers and neighbors.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
