Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers and its SEG Gives Foundation is donating more than 7,000 turkeys and meal essentials to Feeding America network food banks and military organizations.
Leading up to the holiday, Southeastern Grocers is donating the frozen turkeys, as well as Thanksgiving side dishes during 13 food distribution events throughout the communities the grocer serves. These donations will provide more than 110,000 pounds of turkey and more than 100,000 vital meals to help ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season.
“Feeding people is not only our business, it’s our passion,” said Raymond Rhee, chief people officer. “We know holiday festivities are centered around the family table, and we want to give back to our communities through our turkey donations and drive-through food pantry events. This is the season of giving, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to help our neighbors in need celebrate Thanksgiving with the people they love, while creating cherished memories during the holiday.”
More than 5.2 million people are facing hunger within the five southeastern states SEG serves, nearly a third of which are children, according to Feeding America. SEG is donating the food to its food bank partners: Feeding Northeast Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Feeding South Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana and Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, as well as military nonprofit partner the USO.
People are encouraged to contact a local food bank for more details about the Thanksgiving meal distribution events and additional resources for ongoing support.
In addition, all stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Stores will close as normal Nov. 23 and reopen for regular business hours on Nov. 25.
Southeastern Grocers is an omnichannel retailer and one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S., serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
