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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) and its SEG Gives Foundation has awarded $1 million in belonging, inclusion and diversity (BID) grants to nonprofits throughout the Southeast since 2020, the company said on Monday. This milestone includes the recipients of the just-announced 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant which involves grants to 40 nonprofits with missions to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant program 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. The 40 nonprofits selected for this year’s program will each be awarded a $10,000 grant with funds totaling $400,000.
The grant is named for the trailblazing 104-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis, whose dedication to inclusivity and unwavering commitment to diversity and empowerment inspired the grant program aimed at elevating underserved and underrepresented communities. In an era marked by restricted rights for women and people of color, Davis consistently shattered glass ceilings by challenging society’s barriers with her accomplishments. 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 a career with Winn-Dixie in Montgomery, Alabama to stay active and engaged; she continues to motivate others through her story and enduring dedication.
“This year marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to championing belonging, inclusion and diversity, and empowering the local communities we serve,” said Raymond Rhee, chief people officer at Southeastern Grocers. “Through our support of these organizations, we believe we can build stronger, more resilient communities for all. It’s our privilege to provide these grants to exceptional nonprofits that are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors and transforming communities. These 40 nonprofits have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, and we are eager to see the continued impact they will make with our support.”
SEG’s BID grant recipient announcement follows the 104th birthday of Winn-Dixie associate and grant namesake Romay Davis. Last week, SEG celebrated Ms. Romay turning 104 years old with a birthday gathering at her Winn-Dixie store in Montgomery, Ala. The event brought together Davis’ friends, family and local community.
The recipient organizations for this year’s grants are:
- 904WARD, Inc.
- American Heart Association
- Baptist Health
- Better Basics
- Boys & Girls Club of Metro Louisiana
- Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County
- Boys & Girls Club of Chattahoochee Valley
- Brighter Bites
- Communities In Schools of Jacksonville
- Covenant House New Orleans
- Epic-Cure Inc.
- Feeding America Tampa Bay Inc.
- Foundation for Woman’s
- Grace Medical Home
- Hope Haven
- Jack & Jill Center
- Junior Achievement of North Florida
- Magic City Harvest
- MaliVai Washington Kids Youth Foundation, Inc.
- Medical Outreach Ministries
- Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
- Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
- Feeding Northeast Florida
- Schoolyard Roots
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Inc.
- Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc.
- Society of St. Andrew
- Son of a Saint
- South Florida Hunger Coalition
- Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR)
- TANKPROOF
- Teach For America, Inc.
- The Community Health Center of West Palm Beach
- The Immokalee Foundation
- The Jacksonville Humane Society
- The Sanctuary of Northeast Florida, Inc.
- Treasure Coast Food Bank
- Tree Hill Nature Center
- Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative, Florida Affiliate
- Youth Empowerment Project
Southeastern Grocers is the parent company and home of the Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery chains. The photo above shows local recipients of the 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity grant program joining Southeastern Grocers in celebrating Ms. Romay Davis, the grant namesake, ahead of her 104th birthday on Thursday, Oct. 26 in Montgomery, Ala.
