SEG Seeks Nonprofits for Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grants
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Nonprofit organizations with missions to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply at www.seggives.com/grantapp through Sept. 30 to be considered for a Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Raymond Rhee, chief people officer of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We know our communities are only as strong as their people, and Ms. Romay serves as a constant inspiration for our diligent work as we grow our commitment to celebrating differences and amplifying the voices of individuals of all backgrounds. Her service to her customers, community and country encourages us to use our resources to combat social injustices and bridge the gap of inequities faced by many marginalized groups in our communities. We invite organizations who share our vision to apply for the grant opportunities to further their missions as they lift up our neighbors in need.”
Last year, SEG presented a total of $300,000 to 30 deserving organizations through the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The program provides recipients – such as Start the Adventure in Reading in New Orleans and Schoolyard Roots in Tuscaloosa, Ala. – with vital funds to fuel their impactful work within the five states the grocer serves.
- STAIR believes second grade is a critical turning point in a child’s educational development and utilized its funding from the grant to serve 189 elementary-aged students. The grant allowed STAIR to provide more than 2,000 hours of tutoring and place nearly 2,500 high-quality, engaging books in the hands of young readers.
- Schoolyard Roots brings garden education to diverse elementary school students who face economic and nutritional uncertainty, empowering healthy living and academic success. The organization cultivates curiosity and connections through hands-on learning gardens and engages its communities through food and nature to inspire, delight and bring classroom concepts to life.
SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant has provided more than $685,000 in funding to deserving community organizations since its inception in 2020. The grant program reaffirms SEG’s steadfast commitment to racial equity and social justice by offering qualified nonprofits opportunities to receive financial support to help level the playing field for individuals of all backgrounds.
The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant is named for the trailblazing 103-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis, whose dedication to inclusivity and unwavering commitment to diversity and empowerment inspired the grant program aimed at elevating underserved and underrepresented communities. In an era marked by restricted rights for women and people of color, Davis consistently shattered glass ceilings by challenging society’s limited beliefs with her unfathomable accomplishments. Davis is a World War II U.S. Army veteran, NYU multi-degree scholar, New York fashion designer and model, Taekwondo Black Belt and community advocate. At 80 years old, Davis started her career with Winn-Dixie in Montgomery, Alabama., to stay active and engaged; she continues to motivate others through her story and enduring dedication.
In 2022, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans recognized Davis for her contributions as a veteran of the U.S. Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and presented her with the Silver Service Medallion for her exemplary military service and exceptional leadership. The 6888th was the only all-Black Women Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II, and was assigned the momentous and critical task to clear more than two years’ worth of backlogged mail. Davis’ unit was given six months to sort 18 million pieces of mail, which they completed in three months. By restoring the timely flow of mail between the front lines and the Home Front, Davis and the women of the 6888th significantly raised the morale that sustained troops through the final months of the war.
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Heinz Launches Saucemerica Collection of Packets
Heinz has launched The United States of Saucemerica Collection: a limited-edition line-up of 50 United States-inspired condiment packet designs. Saucemerica packets are available in seven condiment varieties, and each packet’s design corresponds to one of the 50 states and its most notable dish – hello, Idaho French Fries and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds!
Rolling out nationwide through the end of August, Heinz is encouraging fans to collect as many different states’ packets as possible and upload them to www.saucemerica.com for a chance to win $500,000 worth of exciting prizes, including a grand prize of $100,000.
“From art to coins, stamps, and more, collecting culture has become a popular practice with devoted fanbases,” says Devaang Sibal, brand manager, Heinz Away from Home. “But perhaps the most unexpected collectible is the Heinz packet. An iconic on-the-go staple, Heinz fans everywhere collect packets in their homes, bags and cars, to ensure they are always on hand in case of a condiment conundrum. With the Saucemerica Collection, we are excited to pay homage to this fan behavior with the unique, hometown pride-evoking designs and multiple chances for fans to win prizes.”
Each Saucemerica packet features either Heinz Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, Real Mayonnaise, Ranch, BBQ Sauce, Tartar Sauce, or Simply Ketchup and the packet designs draw inspiration from the most beloved dishes from each of the 50 states. From a Maryland Crab Cake-inspired Tartar Sauce packet to Texas Brisket BBQ Sauce, Heinz carefully paired each state with the condiment variety that best enhances the dish spotlighted.
Through the end of August, fans can collect the Saucemerica packets at restaurants, drive-thrus, theme parks, movie theaters, stadiums, and more across the country. To ensure consumers can collect as many unique packs as possible all summer long, every participating operator will receive a mix of states throughout June, July and August, depending on which of the seven condiment varieties they feature on their menu.
The SaucemericaCollection supports Heinz’s first global creative platform, “It Has to be Heinz,” which pays homage to its fans by celebrating the irrational love people have for Heinz – from real fans’ personal love affairs with the brand, to the love and care its products are made with. Inspired by real fan stories, including those who always keep condiment packets on hand for “sauce-mergencies,” the brand lives its new purpose with the Saucemerica Collection, uplifting and celebrating this beloved behavior.
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MyForest Foods Raises $15M, Hires CEO
MyForest Foods Co. has raised $15 million in Series A-2 funding to support its next chapter of growth and further bring its hero product, MyBacon, to more consumers across the East Coast. The round was led by MyForest Foods’ parent company, Ecovative Design.
The majority of the proceeds will be used to support MyForest Foods’ retail growth and foodservice presence as it expands its footprint across the Eastern Seaboard, including New York City. The company’s popular mycelium-based meatless bacon product, MyBacon, is commercially available at multiple Fairway Market and Gourmet Garage store locations throughout Manhattan. These additions mark a new milestone; MyBacon is available in over 100 retail locations across the Northeast.
“The plant-based category is at a unique inflection point, where only the most promising and delicious innovations will thrive. I believe MyForest Foods has met this call with its unique MyBacon offering,” said Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of Stonyfield Farm and MyForest Foods board member. “The company is scaling its operations to meet consumers’ growing demand. With this additional investment, it will expand its market presence, attract new retailers, and educate customers about the power of mycelium.”
To support the company during this crucial growth period and into the future, MyForest Foods has hired Greg Shewchuk as its chief executive officer, effective immediately. Eben Bayer, the company’s co-founder and former CEO, will remain chairman of the board and continue to support the team’s continued operational expansion. He will remain CEO of Ecovative, which continues developing and scaling mycelium products to meet everyday needs.
“MyForest Foods was founded by a team of innovators with a passion for growing mycelium, an insight into how to grow whole-cut meats, and a vision to eliminate factory farming. Having proved the viability and consumer demand for our flagship MyBacon product, now is the optimal time to bring on an experienced industry leader as we move to commercial scale,” said Bayer, MyForest Foods’ co-founder. “I’m thrilled to bring Greg on board and leverage his savvy marketing and consumer packaged goods experience. With his expertise, our team will expand access to our delicious MyBacon, launch new whole cuts, and create a healthier, tastier, more sustainable world.”
Shewchuk most recently served as CEO of the food allergy prevention company SpoonfulONE, which Nestlé acquired in late 2022. He is an active member of the Board of Advisors for Gemic, a global growth strategy firm, in a position he has held since 2019. Shewchuk previously held senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Mondelēz International, Cadburys Schweppes PLC, and Unilever.
“MyForest Foods has impressed me with its high-quality, delicious meatless products that support consumers’ desire for more eco-conscious food choices. There’s a reason why MyBacon was recognized by TIME and Fast Company as one of the most innovative food inventions on the market today,” said Shewchuk. “With this new funding and renewed commitment from our investors, my goal is to double down on our marketing and sales functions to take the MyForest Foods brand to the next level.”
The demand for MyForest Foods’ unique mycelium-based offerings is driven by consumer satisfaction with its tasty products and eco-friendly mission. MyBacon’s production process uses a fraction of the land, water, and carbon required for conventional pork production. The application of AirMycelium farming technology produces a plant-based whole-cut product, filling a significant market gap and bolstering a new industry category. MyForest Foods’ state-of-the-art mycelium farm, Swersey Silos, has rapidly scaled production since opening its doors in July 2022. The team is also in the process of launching a second farm in Canada with Whitecrest Mushrooms Ltd.
MyForest Foods is an American food technology company spun out of Ecovative in 2020. MyForest Foods’ proprietary platform uses a natural super-ingredient called mycelium to grow nutrient-rich fibers that replicate the textures and mouthfeel of meat. MyForest Foods is a consumer packaged goods food brand selling MyBacon in 100+ New York and New England retailers with more widespread availability expected later in 2023.
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