Origins:
Deeply rooted in the communities it serves, Southeastern Grocers, LLC (SEG) has been steadfast in its commitment to nourish and uplift its neighbors across the Southeast for 100 years. As a neighborhood grocer, SEG remains dedicated to bettering its communities by ensuring access to nutritious food and resources that support well-being and happiness at every stage of life. Winn-Dixie, a subsidiary of SEG, launched an initiative to combat food insecurity to help ensure no child faces hunger instead of carefree summer days. Together with its charitable arm, the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, the grocer donated $100,000 to five Boys & Girls Clubs chapters across Florida and Louisiana, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Greater Tampa Bay, Metro Louisiana, Northeast Florida and Palm Beach County. The program aimed to bridge the meal gap many children experience when school cafeterias close for summer break with each club receiving $20,000—half in food donations and half in direct financial support. Food donations included healthy lunches, snack packs and take-home meals for families to enjoy together, while direct funding helped cover memberships, meals and enrichment activities for the summer. Winn-Dixie associates delivered food, packed meals and engaged with club members, bringing the grocer’s commitment to service to life. This program reflected a long-standing, company-wide effort to address hunger and support youth development during critical times. It not only filled lunch boxes but also helped create joyful, safe spaces where kids could thrive and make lasting memories.
Contribution:
Winn-Dixie’s donation to each of the five Boys & Girls Clubs included $10,000 in direct financial support as well as $10,000 in groceries. The in-kind donations provided thousands of meals to local kids and their families, including snack packs to enjoy while having fun at the clubs and take-home food kits to prepare meals with loved ones. Community engagement was a cornerstone of the initiative with local store managers and associates, along with district and regional leaders, actively participating in the effort. Volunteers hand-packed individual bags with healthy snacks in addition to filling tote bags with meal essentials. Their collective involvement added a personal and heartfelt touch to the program to put food on hundreds of tables in their own community. Through associate volunteerism, the company deepened its connection to the communities it serves and demonstrated its mission to give back in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Objectives:
According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 56% of Club members live in households that qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, underscoring the critical need for community-based meal support during summer months. The program’s primary objective was to reduce food insecurity for children who typically relied on school-provided meals during the academic year. By partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs, the initiative ensured that children continued to receive nutritious food throughout the summer. A second goal was to support kids' overall well-being by providing funding for structured and safe environments where they could participate in enrichment activities. The local clubs provide engaging programs focused on academics, health and leadership to help children lead fulfilling lives. Winn-Dixie believes in the power of learning and strives to help bridge the nutrition gap so every child can thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Impact:
Winn-Dixie’s summer initiative had a significant impact on 1,500 children across five Boys & Girls Clubs chapters. The $50,000 in food donations provided thousands of nutritious meals for families facing food insecurity during the summer months. The initiative not only addressed hunger but also delivered joy and stability. An additional $50,000 in direct financial support helped local clubs cover membership fees, provide daily meals and expand access to summer learning programs—ensuring every child had opportunities to participate in safe, engaging environments. By providing essential nutrition and access to enrichment, the program gave children the tools to grow, learn and thrive. This summer initiative reflects Winn-Dixie’s mission to nourish and uplift its neighbors while making a tangible difference in the lives of families across the Southeast. The program’s reach extended far beyond the clubs themselves, generating widespread media attention that amplified its message. With more than 220 stories published across various outlets, the program reached an audience of over 11 million. This coverage shined light on the often-overlooked issue of summer hunger, helping to inform and engage the public. It also served to highlight Winn-Dixie’s dedication to being more than a grocer—positioning the company as a true community partner dedicated to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods. This initiative is a continuation of SEG’s long-standing commitment to combat hunger. Last year, the grocer provided more than $1 million in monetary and product donations to neighbors in need.
Quote:
Anthony Hucker, Chairman, President & CEO of Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie, said, “We believe being a neighborhood grocer means showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter. Summertime should be a time for kids to play freely, explore their creativity and create memories without worrying about their next meal. When school cafeterias close for the summer, too many children are left without a dependable source of nutrition. Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs allowed us to help meet this critical need, while also supporting safe, engaging spaces where kids can simply be kids. From meals to memories, this initiative was about making sure every child felt seen, supported and valued. It is one more way we are working to build stronger, healthier communities—one summer, one family and one neighborhood at a time.”
Support Statement:
Paul Martinez, President/CEO Boys & Girls Club Northeast Florida, said “Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, happy and nourished. While every parent wants the best for their kids, many families face a daily struggle to provide consistent meals. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, we are proud to work with partners like Winn-Dixie who lend a helping hand to not only the kids in our community, but to their families as well. We are incredibly grateful for Winn-Dixie’s investment in our programs to support healthy lifestyles and positive development. Their hands-on support is a testament to the grocer’s commitment to uplifting the community in times when it’s needed most. We value their efforts to create brighter futures filled with confidence and opportunity for every child.”
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