Southeastern Grocers honors Black History Month with annual grant program and community service

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is honoring Black History Month and its enduring commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity with the launch of its annual grant program and community service initiatives.

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Southeastern Grocers, together with its Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie associates, celebrates Black History Month and its commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity with the launch of its annual grant program and community service initiatives, including the recent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday Grand Parade in its hometown of Jacksonville. (Photo: Business Wire)

The grocer is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2024 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Nonprofit organizations with missions to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply at www.seggives.com/grantapp through Aug. 31 to be considered for grant funds ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. In 2023, SEG celebrated the milestone of $1 million awarded in belonging, inclusion and diversity grants to nonprofits throughout the Southeast.

Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “Black History Month is a time to honor the rich contributions made by Black visionaries, innovators and leaders – like Ms. Romay – and we are proud to continue to nurture the diverse communities we serve every day. Our vital grant program and partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation are an extension of that recognition and allow us to further contribute to positive change in marginalized communities. Embracing diversity, both inside and outside of our stores, fosters inclusivity, fuels creativity and propels our collective journey towards a more vibrant and equitable future for all."

SEG also recently celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its continued participation in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday Grand Parade in its hometown of Jacksonville. As a recent recipient of the grocer’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant, the staff and supporting families of Sanctuary on 8^th Street joined Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie volunteers along the parade route for a memorable experience to encourage and empower Jacksonville youth in need.

The grocer will also partner with the American Red Cross for a day of service Monday, Feb. 12 by participating in the organization’s Sound the Alarm campaign to protect underserved communities from hazardous home fires. To keep families safe from the nation’s most frequent disaster, Winn-Dixie associates will help the Red Cross and area fire departments install free smoke 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 will donate $100,000 to help the Red Cross in its mission to save lives through its Home Fire Campaign, with a total of $300,000 donated to the cause over the past three years. Founded in 2014, the initiative aims to prevent fire-related deaths and injuries that take the lives of seven people each day and cause more than $7 billion in property damages each year.¹

SEG is wholeheartedly committed to being a culture of belonging, inclusion and diversity inside and outside of its organization, where differences are celebrated and everyone is empowered to be their full, authentic selves. As a people-first company, the grocer was recognized by national outlets including Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity list with a 4-star rating for the second consecutive year for its dedication to supporting a diverse workforce and fostering a culture of inclusion. Last year, SEG also received certification as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year; Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail list which uses employee feedback to highlight the top 20 companies with workplace cultures that reflect a genuine commitment to meet associates’ needs; and America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in recognition of the grocer’s efforts to provide superior work-life balance and develop female leaders in the workforce; among other top recognition awards.

More About the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Namesake

The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant is named for the trailblazing 104-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis, whose dedication to inclusivity and unwavering commitment to diversity and empowerment inspired the grant program aimed at elevating underserved and underrepresented communities. In an era marked by restricted rights for women and people of color, Davis consistently shattered glass ceilings by challenging society’s limited beliefs with her unfathomable accomplishments. Davis is a World War II U.S. Army veteran, NYU multi-degree scholar, New York fashion designer and model, Taekwondo Black Belt and community advocate. At 80 years old, Davis started her career with Winn-Dixie in Montgomery, Alabama to stay active and engaged; she continues to motivate others through her story and enduring dedication.

In 2022, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans recognized Davis for her contributions as a veteran of the U.S. Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and presented her with the Silver Service Medallion for her exemplary military service and exceptional leadership. The 6888th was the only all-Black Women Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II, and was assigned the momentous and critical task to clear more than two years’ worth of backlogged mail. Davis’ unit was given six months to sort 18 million pieces of mail, which they completed in three months. By restoring the timely flow of mail between the front lines and the Home Front, Davis and the women of the 6888th significantly raised the morale that sustained troops through the final months of the war.

About Southeastern Grocers

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. 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.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 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.

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