To celebrate Black History Month, Southeastern Grocers Inc. announces a community donation program benefiting the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program. The grant program supports nonprofits in the fight for racial equity and social justice, and addresses racial disparities in education, food insecurity and health care.
Jacksonville, Florida-based SEG is the parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, and the SEG Gives Foundation.
From Feb. 3 through March 2, customers at all SEG stores can make donations to the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program. Customers are encouraged to round up their grocery bills at the register to help support organizations that serve minority sectors of communities throughout SEG’s seven-state footprint. The SEG Gives Foundation is contributing an additional $100,000 donation to the campaign total.
“We are proud to honor Black History Month by recognizing the key contributions of our Black associates, customers, community partners and diverse supplier partners,” said Elizabeth Thompson, EVP and chief people officer. “During the month of February, and all year long, it is our hope that customers are reminded of our rich diversity and sense of unity with each visit to one of our stores. As we reflect on life during this poignant time in history, SEG is poised to continue fostering a culture of belonging, inclusion and diversity, where associates and customers are empowered to be themselves, and where we all embrace our differences as our strongest asset.”
In honor of Black History Month, SEG is also sharing the story of the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant’s namesake, 101-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis. A video tribute highlighting the fascinating life story of Davis will be released later this month and includes her historic role in serving as part of the first all-Black Women Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II, and her thriving 30-year fashion career as a designer and model in New York.
Davis achieved other milestones throughout her accomplished life including earning a master’s degree, Black Belt in Taekwondo and much more. SEG hopes the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant named in her honor inspires the next generation to combat challenges and seize every opportunity.
SEG is a company that reflects the diversity of communities within its footprint. From the products on its shelves to the partnering organizations, the grocer strives to support initiatives and programs to help bridge the gap of racial disparities impacting people of color in larger numbers. In 2020, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation donated more than $3.7 million to community partners with missions that aid in supporting diverse populations throughout the Southeast.
In its inaugural year, the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program awarded funds to nine nonprofits committed to taking on racial inequity in education, food insecurity and health care. SEG will begin accepting 2021 grant applications from qualifying organizations later this year. For additional information about the grant, SEG’s Inclusion and Diversity Statement and more, visit segrocers.com/careers/whychooseus.
