Southeastern Grocers advocates for protection of essential pollinators during National Pollinator Week

Grocer promotes conservation through health policy and collaborative supplier partners like Sunkist

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is advocating for the health of pollinators this National Pollinator Week and promoting the importance of these small, yet vital populations by reaffirming its Pollinator Health Policy and highlighting collaborative, like-minded supplier partners, including Sunkist.

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Southeastern Grocers is advocating for the health of pollinators - like honey bees - this National Pollinator Week and promoting the importance of these small, yet vital populations by reaffirming its Pollinator Health Policy and highlighting collaborative, like-minded supplier partners. (Photo: Business Wire)

Approximately 35% of the world’s food crops rely on animal pollinators for reproduction, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To protect the world’s essential pollinators – like honey bees, butterflies, birds and bats – and help ensure food security for future generations, SEG collaborates with supplier partners to advance pollinator-friendly practices. The grocer’s pledge includes avoiding the use of particularly detrimental pesticides; sourcing fresh produce and floral from suppliers with third-party verified integrated pest management practices; encouraging supplier partners to obtain pollinator-friendly certifications facilitating consumer education; and increasing the amount of USDA Organic produce offered in stores.

Steve Williams, Vice President of Produce and Floral for Southeastern Grocers, said, “Our commitment to advancing pollinator-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in our vision for a better future. As a grocer, ensuring our communities have access to food is our top priority; this also means preserving the world's food supply for future generations. By partnering with our valued supplier partners, we can leverage our collective strengths to drive real change and create stronger communities. Together, we will continue to develop initiatives that promote sustainable products and contribute to a more viable world for future generations.”

In recognition of National Pollinator Week, SEG is highlighting the exceptional work of one of its like-minded, purpose-driven supplier partners, Sunkist Growers Inc. With a commitment to pollinator conservation, Sunkist has implemented innovative practices that prioritize pollinator health and contribute to the preservation of their habitats. Sunkist’s dedication to pollinator-friendly agriculture aligns closely with SEG's own values and reinforces the collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable future.

Supplier Partner Spotlight: Sunkist Growers Inc.

Sunkist Growers Inc. is an agricultural cooperative owned by and operated for the family of farmers who make up its membership. Sunkist reflects the values of its more than 130-year history, with traditional growing practices, stewardship of natural resources and a dedication to innovation. Sunkist offers 40 varieties of fresh citrus, and its growers – large and small – work to offer quality fruit that consumers enjoy worldwide. To preserve pollinator populations, Sunkist growers plant hedgerows to provide habitats for pollinators; and if pest and disease pressures threaten the life of citrus groves, Sunkist uses integrated pest management practices including biodiversity, predator pests and natural oils that reduce the use of pesticides.

Throughout the year, SEG supports local nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators. As part of the grocer’s Earth Day initiatives, SEG donated to Tree Hill Nature Center in Jacksonville and Schoolyard Roots in Tuscaloosa, Alabama – both organizations share SEG’s passion to protect pollinators. Tree Hill Nature Center plants gardens in parking lot medians creating vibrant pollinator habitats; and Schoolyard Roots partners with elementary schools to install pollinator beds which also contribute to educational opportunities for students.

With a steadfast commitment to driving purposeful change, SEG is devoted to developing initiatives that bolster pollinator-friendly practices in the Southeast and beyond. Through collaboration with its supplier partners, SEG remains committed to its mission to cultivate resilient communities, sustainable products and a more prosperous world to be enjoyed for generations to come.

To learn more about SEG’s advancements in building a sustainable future and its Pollinator Health Policy, please visit www.segrocers.com/sustainability.

About Southeastern Grocers

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer and one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S., serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.

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