Southeastern Grocers kicks off annual 2023 diversity grant program
Southeastern Grocers, parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2023 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 online here through Sept. 30 to be considered for a Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
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Raymond Rhee, chief people officer of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We know our communities are only as strong as their people, and Ms. Romay serves as a constant inspiration for our diligent work as we grow our commitment to celebrating differences and amplifying the voices of individuals of all backgrounds. Her service to her customers, community and country encourages us to use our resources to combat social injustices and bridge the gap of inequities faced by many marginalized groups in our communities. We invite organizations who share our vision to apply for the grant opportunities to further their missions as they lift up our neighbors in need.”
SEG presented a total of $300,000 to 30 deserving organizations through the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The program provides recipients – such as Start the Adventure in Reading in New Orleans and Schoolyard Roots in Tuscaloosa, Ala. with vital funds to fuel their impactful work within the five states the grocer serves.
STAIR said it believes second grade is a critical turning point in a child’s educational development and utilized its funding from the grant to serve 189 elementary-aged students. The grant allowed STAIR to provide more than 2,000 hours of tutoring and place nearly 2,500 high-quality, engaging books in the hands of young readers.
Schoolyard Roots brings garden education to diverse elementary school students who face economic and nutritional uncertainty, empowering healthy living and academic success. The organization cultivates curiosity and connections through hands-on learning gardens and engages its communities through food and nature to inspire, delight and bring classroom concepts to life.
[Read more: Southeastern Grocers opens Winn-Dixie store in Jacksonville, Fla.]
SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant has provided more than $685,000 in funding to deserving community organizations since its inception in 2020. The grant program reaffirms SEG’s steadfast commitment to racial equity and social justice by offering qualified nonprofits opportunities to receive financial support to help level the playing field for individuals of all backgrounds.