Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has given more than $8.25 million back to local communities this year to support neighbors in need.

Despite an especially challenging year, the grocer has continued its undeniable dedication to the communities it serves by partnering with more than 4,700 local organizations throughout the Southeast, hosting more than 30 mobile food pantries and providing more than 10 million meals to help fight hunger.

Stater Bros. Markets announced a two-week extension of its $2/hour incentive for every hour worked. The extended time period starts on the work period beginning Sunday, Dec. 27.  This incentive will apply to all of the company’s hourly employees that work in the stores, distribution, transportation, corporate offices and construction.

In the spirit of being a good neighbor, Chiquita is continuing to lead relief efforts for the Central American communities affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota earlier this year. The company has a strong tie to the region, as it has been cultivating its yellow bananas there for more than 100 years. In the aftermath of the recent natural disasters, the company has supported Central Americans by providing resources such as food, medical supplies, monetary donations, and more.

Even in a "normal" year it can be difficult for retailers to boost their premium apple sales during the holiday season, but add in a global pandemic and changing consumer behaviors, and it becomes that much more of a challenge to create a sound premium apple strategy.

Wholesum, Fair Trade certified growers and shippers of organic produce, inaugurated its newly renovated tomato greenhouses at Wholesum Farms Pacific. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place earlier in December in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. The event consisted of a virtual live stream on the company’s Facebook page as well as an in-person event with attendance from local vendors and stakeholders.

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., will provide the COVID-19 vaccine nationwide across its 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics, partnering with the federal government and state health departments to administer the vaccine in accordance with the rollout plan.

Kroger Health to offer accessibility to COVID-19 vaccine nationwide to employees and customers through partnerships with the federal government and state health departments.