CLAY COUNTY – Winn-Dixie, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is honoring Black History Month and its enduring commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity with the launch of its annual grant program and community service initiatives.

The grocer is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2024 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations that address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Nonprofit organizations with missions to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply at seggives.com/grantapp through Aug. 31 to be considered for grant funds ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

There are seven Winn-Dixie stores in the county.

In 2023, SEG celebrated the milestone of $1 million awarded in belonging, inclusion and diversity grants to nonprofits throughout the Southeast.

Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said: “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. 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.”

SEG also recently celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its continued participation in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday Grand Parade in its hometown of Jacksonville. 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 for a memorable experience to encourage and empower Jacksonville youth in need.

The grocery store will also partner with the American Red Cross for a day of service Monday, Feb. 12, by participating in the organization’s Sound the Alarm campaign to protect underserved communities from hazardous home fires. To keep families safe from the nation’s most frequent disaster, Winn-Dixie associates 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 protect themselves and their loved ones further.

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.