Dollar General Highlights Progress in CSR Mission

As Dollar General Corp. speeds across the nation building stores, a concurrent journey to strengthen its position as a purpose-driven company is also gaining new ground.

The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based discounter reviewed progress from that journey in fiscal 2020 in what it called its “Serving Others” report published this week. The report highlighted the company’s COVID response, moves toward diversity and progress in a “Better for You” initiative bringing healthier foods and higher ingredient standards to its assortment.

Capture from Dollar General's "Serving Others" report

“Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others is both the cornerstone of our culture and a guiding force in our future and was on full display in fiscal 2020,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO, said in a statement. “Since our inception 82 years ago, our focus has remained on helping each of our customers stretch their budgets on items they need and want for their families. This year’s report details how we furthered and embodied our mission to positively impact our customers, employees and communities during an unprecedented year.”

In a related move, Dollar General said it was promoting Denine Torr to serve in a newly created officer role of VP of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy. With a focus on environmental, social and governance, Torr will lead all CSR activities and initiatives, as well as direct the company’s philanthropic works while continuing to serve as the executive director for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

Torr’s previous role with Dollar General was as senior director of community initiatives.

“Denine’s exceptional Dollar General and corporate charitable experience over the past two decades positions her well to lead our accelerated efforts around corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance initiatives,” Vasos added.