Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, along with the SEG Gives Foundation, has opened the application process for the 2021 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant.
The program supports local nonprofits by addressing racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education.
Now through Sept. 30, organizations supporting underserved populations throughout SEG’s five-state footprint are encouraged to apply online for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. The SEG Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Committee, a group of nine associates and leaders from diverse backgrounds, will review all applications for consideration and announce selected organizations on Oct. 29, 2021, the grant namesake’s 102nd birthday.
The grant program reaffirms SEG’s steadfast commitment to racial equity and social justice by offering qualified nonprofits opportunities to receive financial support to help level the playing field for individuals of all backgrounds.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we embrace diversity by advocating for social justice and positive change, and we wholeheartedly commit to a culture that fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment,” said Elizabeth Thompson, chief people officer for Southeastern Grocers. “As a people-first company, we proudly stand with our neighbors by offering meaningful solutions that provide sustainable opportunities to enrich the lives of underserved and underrepresented individuals and organizations.”
In its inaugural year, the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant awarded $100,000 in funding to nine deserving community organizations, including the Louisiana Center for Health Equity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation in Jacksonville and The Society of St. Andrew in Orlando, among others.
This year, to drive support and bring further awareness to the cause, the SEG Gives Foundation hosted a community donation program during Black History Month to raise additional funds for the grant program. Thanks to the support of generous customers, the 2021 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant will be able to support additional nonprofits, allowing more communities to benefit from the program.
“The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation was truly honored to be named a 2020 recipient of the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity grant to help sustain our efforts in expanding possibilities for young students of color,” said Terri Florio, executive director of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation. “We are deeply appreciative for the generous funding received from the SEG Gives Foundation to support our foundation in addressing racial disparities in education by providing after-school programs, summer youth development enrichment and enhanced academic support.”
Community organizations throughout SEG’s five-state footprint are invited to apply for grant funds to help address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education. For additional information about applying for the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant program, or to submit an application, visit seggives.com/grantapp.
