BOISE, Idaho, June 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Albertsons Companies today announced a $5 million donation to social justice organizations as well as those on the front line of the fight for equality. 

“Racial justice and equality cannot be achieved by people returning to the status quo. We must intentionally open a door to lasting change across our country,” said President and CEO Vivek Sankaran. “We’ve seen unity in the seas of people throughout the country demanding justice for those whose lives were senselessly taken and calling for an end to hatred, intolerance and systemic racism. We will be part of the solution by helping our communities lay the foundation for racial equality and social justice.” 

The first step the company took was a conversation where executive leaders listened to African American associates and several of its Associate Resource Groups. The company’s leadership heard that they should hold similar conversations with their own teams throughout the organization – which it has already initiated – and take concrete action to foster lasting change. 

Albertsons Companies today announced: 

• A $2 million donation toward the social justice efforts of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and the National Urban League Inc.
• A $1 million donation toward the company’s African American Associate Resource Group’s efforts to partner with local organizations who are working to support communities and neighborhood actions throughout our market areas
• A $1 million reserve fund for social justice and diversity initiatives in the future, including community outreach, supplier diversity and ongoing education

Late last week, Jewel-Osco Foundation committed $1 million to the City of Chicago’s Together Now fund. The fund was initiated with a $10-million city commitment to address immediate needs of small businesses. Jewel-Osco Foundation was the fund’s first outside donor.

“Courageous conversations can lead to bold actions and push the societal change we need,” continued Sankaran. “This dialog requires collectives of friends, co-workers, students, community organizers, business leaders, and elected officials committed to building strategies to combat systemic racism and disparate treatment of people of color. We hope to be a catalyst for change and a resource for community organizations as our country works toward social justice.” 

About Albertsons Companies
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. We operate stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2019 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave $225 million in food and financial support. In 2020, the company made a $53 million commitment to community hunger relief efforts. These efforts have helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans’ outreach. 

Christine Wilcox
Albertsons Companies
208-395-4163
Christine.Wilcox@albertsons.com

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