Southeastern Grocers kicks off ‘10 Days of Appreciation’

Southeastern Grocers today launched “10 Days of Appreciation,” a series of events to recognize store associates and community heroes for their hard work and support during the coronavirus crisis.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Southeastern Grocers said Friday that the celebration launches with “Frontline Heroes Day,” in which the company will honor all associates with an event at each store to highlight frontline workers’ extra efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic and thank them for supporting their communities in a time of need. The company said associates also will be “recognized and rewarded” for their endeavors, dedication and commitment.

“Our hardworking associates have displayed incredible acts of kindness, selflessness and love for their community and each other over the past year. They have gone the extra degree to ensure their friends, families and neighbors have access to healthy food, and a safe shopping experience they can always count on,” Elizabeth Thompson, executive vice president and chief people officer at Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “Our trusted associates have become the backbone of their communities during an incredibly difficult time. We are honored to celebrate our frontline heroes and express our immense gratitude for their continued commitment to spreading kindness throughout the communities we serve.”

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Southeastern Grocers is urging customers to nominate a hero, family member or friend for its “Share the Rewards” sweepstakes.

In connection with Valentine’s Day, Southeastern Grocers also is prompting customers to nominate a hero, family member or friend for its “Share the Rewards” sweepstakes, which gives both the nominee and nominator a chance to win $50 in rewards points. Shoppers can make nominations via the Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket or Fresco y Más mobile app through Feb. 23.

On Feb. 17, in tandem with National Random Acts of Kindness Day, the retailer will launch a “Spread the Love” campaign at all Fresco y Más, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores. Each location will select a local school, fire station, police station or “frontline hero” organization to receive free bagels and cream cheese.

Southeastern Grocers also plans to donate of 500 bags of “Essentials for Essential Workers” to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Baptist Hospital in downtown Jacksonville. The event will provide essential grocery items to hospital employees as a thank you for keeping the community safe, the retailer said.

And to conclude its 10 Days of Appreciation, Southeastern Grocers on Feb. 22 will celebrate Supermarket Employee Day — a new event declared by FMI-The Food Industry Association — to honor its associates and fellow supermarket and food industry employees for their hard work and dedication over the past year under the pandemic.

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“SEG associates have contributed and volunteered countless hours in their communities to provide access to safe, healthy and affordable food while displaying courage, compassion and dedication for their communities,” Southeastern Grocers stated. “Customers can join in the celebration by sharing words of gratitude or with a socially distant ‘thank you’ to their local grocery store team.”

Overall, Southeastern Grocers operates more than 500 supermarkets in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Mississippi under the Winn-Dixie, Harveys, Fresco y Más and Bi-Lo banners, as well as 140 liquor stores, 231 in-store pharmacies and one central specialty pharmacy.