SEG Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability, Community Support Efforts
During a year of change for Southeastern Grocers, the company continued to support the local communities it serves while maintaining a focus on issues pertaining to sustainability.
The Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocer, through its SEG Gives Foundation charitable arm, in 2024 donated more than $4 million to support local communities. This included more than $1 million in monetary and product donations to help alleviate hunger and hosting more than 30 mobile food pantry events.
Additionally, SEG also donated nearly $600,000 to emergency assistance and disaster relief in addition to holding distribution events for families impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Other charitable efforts included 150 educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military members by donating more than $550,000 to Folds of Honor in 2024. The company’s 5th Annual Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity (BID) Grant provided $487,500 to nonprofit organizations that work to address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity, and education.
“We continue to find inspiration in the power of progress as we strengthen our dedication to building a more sustainable future,” said Anthony Hucker, chairman, president, and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “Last year, we lent a helping hand to our neighbors in need, led product innovation with excellence and authenticity, and advanced our earth-friendly initiatives. By empowering our associates to feed and enrich our communities, we are proudly doing our part to create a stronger world for generations to come.”
In terms of sustainability, SEG increased its waste reduction efforts by eliminating the use of nearly 1.38 million single-use plastic bags through the company’s reusable Community Bag program and increasing paper savings by 16.4% via digital receipts and coupons. Its recycling initiatives also diverted more than 3.1 million pounds of plastic and 49,000 tons of cardboard from landfills.
The grocer’s electric vehicle stations saw a 16.7% year-over-year increase in charging activity, underscoring customers’ growing shift toward sustainable transportation. To further support this progress, three new charging stations were added at select neighborhood stores.
The company also implemented a variety of energy enhancements to stores throughout its footprint, including roof replacements using salvaged and energy-saving materials, as well as parking lot lighting upgrades to energy-efficient LEDs.
SEG is partnering with nine organizations across the Southeast and donating nearly $9,000 to support environmental efforts in the communities the grocer serves. Local associates volunteer their time to contribute positively to the neighborhoods where they live and work, helping to create happier, healthier environments and demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship:
- Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Key Biscayne)
- Central Florida Earth Day (Orlando)
- Keep Louisiana Beautiful (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (Tampa)
- Lafitte Greenway (New Orleans, Louisiana)
- Ocean Hour (Pensacola)
- Sombrero Beach (Marathon)
- Tree Hill Nature Center (Jacksonville)
