Albertsons Cos. is making a $5 million donation to social justice organizations as well as those on the front line of the fight for equality.
“Racial justice and equality cannot be achieved by people returning to the status quo. We must intentionally open a door to lasting change across our country,” said President and CEO Vivek Sankaran. “We’ve seen unity in the seas of people throughout the country demanding justice for those whose lives were senselessly taken and calling for an end to hatred, intolerance and systemic racism. We will be part of the solution by helping our communities lay the foundation for racial equality and social justice.”
The first step the company took was a conversation where executive leaders listened to black associates and several of its Associate Resource Groups. The company’s leadership heard that they should hold similar conversations with their own teams throughout the organization – which it has already initiated – and take concrete action to foster lasting change.
Albertsons Cos. has announced:
- A $2 million donation toward the social justice efforts of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and the National Urban League Inc.;
- A $1 million donation toward the company’s African American Associate Resource Group’s efforts to partner with local organizations who are working to support communities and neighborhood actions throughout its market areas; and
- A $1 million reserve fund for social justice and diversity initiatives in the future, including community outreach, supplier diversity and ongoing education.
Late last week, Jewel-Osco Foundation committed $1 million to the city of Chicago’s Together Now fund. The fund was initiated with a $10-million city commitment to address immediate needs of small businesses. Jewel-Osco Foundation was the fund’s first outside donor.
“Courageous conversations can lead to bold actions and push the societal change we need,” Sankaran said. “This dialog requires collectives of friends, co-workers, students, community organizers, business leaders and elected officials committed to building strategies to combat systemic racism and disparate treatment of people of color. We hope to be a catalyst for change and a resource for community organizations as our country works toward social justice.”
Based in Boise, Idaho, Albertsons Cos. is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. It operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.
Read about Albertsons Cos.’ commitment of $50 million to hunger relief here.
