Southeastern Grocers, parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, and the SEG Gives Foundation, have announced the first-ever Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program award recipients. The grant program supports deserving organizations that assist in leveling the playing field for communities that face racial disparities in education, health care and food insecurity.
The inaugural Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program was established last summer to address social inequality in the U.S. SEG, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, received competitive proposals from numerous organizations throughout its seven-state footprint. The following nine nonprofits will be awarded grant funds totaling $100,000:
- American Heart Association Fresh Pantry in Schools, Metairie, Louisiana;
- Grace Medical Home, Orlando, Florida;
- Guardian Catholic Schools, Jacksonville, Florida;
- Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation, Jacksonville, Florida;
- Louisiana Center for Health Equity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana;
- MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, Jacksonville, Florida;
- Sanctuary of Northeast Florida, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida;
- Teach for America Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida; and
- The Society of St. Andrew – FL, Orlando, Florida.
“This year has brought overwhelming challenges for many of our associates, customers and community members. At Southeastern Grocers, we’ve kept a positive outlook because of hardworking organizations like the ones supported by the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant,” said Elizabeth Thompson, EVP and chief people officer for SEG. “Today, as we celebrate Ms. Romay’s special story on her 101st birthday, we also look ahead to the future of these incredible organizations that share our commitment in making our communities stronger.”
The grocer’s announcement of the grant recipients is on the 101st birthday of 20-year Winn-Dixie associate, Romay Davis. The grant was named in honor of Romay, to recognize her fascinating history as a World War II veteran, NYU scholar, New York fashion designer and model, Black Belt in Taekwondo, community advocate and much more. SEG celebrates Romay’s accomplishments during an era when women and people of color faced crippling challenges and restricted rights. The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant is a program that strongly echoes SEG’s long-term commitment to help in the fight against racial injustice.
Davis said, “One of the greatest things that could ever happen to you is to have people respect you, love you, do for you and help you. I could hardly believe it when I heard a grant would be named after me. To be here makes me feel very surprised and grateful. I am proud of the company for doing something this meaningful.”
Throughout its history, SEG has built on its culture of giving with community partnership and charitable endeavors. The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant was developed as a way to continue those efforts by aiding underserved sectors of communities throughout the grocer’s footprint. This year alone, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation has donated more than $3 million to organizations that strengthen communities impacted by racial disparities in food insecurity and health care.
