NEW YORK — Ahold Delhaize’s GIANT Co. and Food Lion, along with such retailers as Kroger, Walgreens and Walmart, were among the retailers recognized as being among the best places to work for LGBTQ equality. They received perfect marks on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index. A record-breaking 767 major U.S. businesses and organizations earned top Corporate Equality Index marks this year.

“Our team members are at the front and center of everything that we do, which is why we support each team member fully and uniquely,” GIANT vice president of human resources Matt Lutcavage said. “Guided by our ‘Be You’ team promise, we are committed to creating a growing culture of inclusion and belonging across our organization. We are grateful for this distinction and for our team who has made The GIANT Company a place where everyone – team members, supplier and community partners and customers alike – is respected, valued, heard and welcomed just the way they are.”

The retail sector was among the 1,142 major U.S. businesses that were ranked in the 2021 CEI, the largest number of companies to be ranked to date. Fifty-one retail have been designated a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, having earned top scores of a 100% in the CEI.

They include Albertsons Cos., Amazon, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco, Dollar General, Food Lion, GIANT, Giant, Giant-Eagle, Kroger, Meijer, Peapod Digital Labs, Retail Business Services, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart.

“We are grateful to the Human Rights Campaign for recognizing our continued actions to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community across the Kroger family of companies,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “We remain committed to doing the work it takes to create long-lasting culture change and equality in our workplace.”

The Corporate Equality Index rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories including non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.