Southeastern Grocers Inc. is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for its 2024 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 that promote underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply here through Aug. 31 to be considered for grant funds ranging from $5,000-$25,000.
In 2023, SEG celebrated the milestone of $1 million awarded in belonging, inclusion and diversity grants to nonprofits throughout the Southeast.
“Black History Month is a time to honor the rich contributions made by Black visionaries, innovators and leaders – like Ms. Romay – and we are proud to continue to nurture the diverse communities we serve every day,” said Raymond Rhee, chief people officer for Southeastern Grocers.
“Our vital grant program and partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation are an extension of that recognition and allow us to further contribute to positive change in marginalized communities. Embracing diversity, both inside and outside of our stores, fosters inclusivity, fuels creativity and propels our collective journey towards a more vibrant and equitable future for all.”
Southeastern Grocers also celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with its continued participation in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday grand parade in Jacksonville, Florida.
As a recent recipient of the grocer’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant, the staff and supporting families of Sanctuary on 8th Street joined Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie volunteers along the parade route.
The grocer will also partner with the American Red Cross for a day of service Feb. 12 by participating in the organization’s Sound the Alarm campaign to protect underserved communities from hazardous home fires. Winn-Dixie employees will help the Red Cross and area fire departments install free smoke alarms for Orange Park residents in need and share important safety information to further protect themselves and their loved ones.
Additionally, the SEG Gives Foundation will donate $100,000 to help the Red Cross in its mission to save lives through its Home Fire Campaign, with $300,000 donated to the cause over the past three years. Founded in 2014, the initiative aims to prevent fire-related deaths and injuries that take the lives of seven people each day and cause more than $7 billion in property damages each year.
About the award’s namesake
Southeastern Grocers’ Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity grant is named in honor of 104-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis.
Davis is a World War II U.S. Army veteran, NYU multi-degree scholar, New York fashion designer and model, Taekwondo Black Belt and community advocate. At 80 years old, Davis started her career with Winn-Dixie in Montgomery, Alabama, to stay active and engaged; she continues to motivate others through her story and enduring dedication.
In 2022, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans recognized Davis for her contributions as a veteran of the U.S. Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and presented her with the Silver Service Medallion for her exemplary military service and exceptional leadership.
The 6888th was the only all-Black Women Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II, and was assigned the momentous and critical task to clear more than two years’ worth of backlogged mail. Davis’ unit was given six months to sort 18 million pieces of mail, which they completed in three months. By restoring the flow of mail between the front lines and the home front, Davis and the women of the 6888th raised the morale that sustained troops through the final months of the war.
About Southeastern Grocers
Southeastern Grocers, parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
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