Southeastern Grocers Inc. is extending additional support for Ukraine relief with a donation of more than $1.1 million worth of cleaning and sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment and nonperishable food items to humanitarian nonprofit organization Mission 823.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we always put people first, whether they are in our five-state footprint or across the globe,” said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO. “We refuse to stand idle when the people of Ukraine are in urgent need. As a grocer, we know how important it is for our communities to have access to basic yet essential products, and through our partnership with Mission 823, it is our hope we can help provide some sense of comfort to the Ukrainian people. SEG stands with Ukraine.”
SEG’s donation will benefit Mission 823, a humanitarian nonprofit organization on the ground in Ukraine that seeks to help and protect at-risk children, including orphans and those on the streets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and childhood traumas felt in war-torn areas. The organization also works with local task forces to help rescue children from human trafficking.
Shawn Sullivan, founder of Mission 823, said, “We are grateful to Southeastern Grocers for their generous contribution in support of the Ukrainian people. It’s because of compassionate, people-forward companies like SEG that we’re able to provide essential aid to evacuees and other at-risk groups. The situation in Ukraine continues to worsen and among the most affected are children. Thanks to SEG, we will be able to help more people during the most trying time of their lives.”
This donation of more than $1.1 million in supplies and nonperishable food items builds upon SEG’s support to the citizens of Ukraine. The grocer was among the first retailers to provide immediate aid with its charitable foundation’s donation of $250,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support Ukraine and its citizens as they fight to defend their country. SEG also has committed 100 percent of the proceeds from its private label Ukrainian vodka to the cause through March 31.
To learn more about Mission 823 and its efforts to help the people of Ukraine, or to make a donation, please visit www.mission823.com.
Has your specialty foods industry company donated funds or supplies to Ukraine relief? Gourmet News would like to know. Please email Senior Editor A.J. Flick, aj_f@oser.com, with your news.