Retailer participates in 'Share a Meal' campaign

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Southeastern Grocers Inc. is participating in the Share a Meal campaign to help feed needy families, the company said Wednesday. The supermarket chain is partnering in the campaign with the SEG Gives Foundation and Coca-Cola Co.

Shoppers at the deli departments at Southeastern Grocers’ stores under the Winn-Dixie, BI-LO, Fresco y Mas and Harveys Supermarket banners can participate by purchasing a “Share a Meal” combination. With each purchase of participating deli items and participating Coca-Cola products, 10 cents, or one meal, will be donated to Feeding America food banks throughout SEG’s seven-state footprint. The Share a Meal Program offers deli meal combinations including rotisserie chicken, mixed eight-piece baked chicken or mixed eight-piece fried chicken, with Coca-Cola products including Gold Peak Tea or bottled waters.

To kick off the campaign and combat summer hunger, the SEG Gives Foundation will donate more than $100,000 to Feeding America through its network of food banks. Additionally, the grocer is encouraging customers to benefit Feeding America by rounding up their total grocery bill at the register.

“We are stronger together, and we appreciate our customers who help us spread kindness throughout our communities,” Anthony Hucker, president and chief executive officer at Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement.

Pam Stewart, senior vice president for national retail sales at Atlanta-based Coca-Cola, said, “Our partnership with Southeastern Grocers and Feeding America demonstrates Coca-Cola’s commitment to act on our purpose to make a difference, while supporting our valued customers. Through the Share a Meal program, we are working together to help fight food insecurity, which is especially critical in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

The partners noted that coronavirus pandemic-related layoffs and furloughs are exacerbating food insecurity across the Southeast, and that the Share a Meal campaign can help by providing customers in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina with the opportunity to support their communities in an impactful way.

“As a result of the pandemic, food banks across the country have seen an increase in need for food assistance,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, chief executive officer at Feeding America. “At the same time, the charitable food system has faced hosts of challenges, including a decline in food donations, volunteers and other resources. Feeding America is grateful to Southeastern Grocers and The Coca-Cola Company for their support and commitment to helping our neighbors in need.”