Southeastern Grocers Amplifies Support for Heart Health During American Heart Month through Partnership with the American Heart Association
Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), the parent company behind Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is ramping up its commitment to heart health during American Heart Month. The company is rolling out an in-store community donation initiative to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health. This collaboration is a part of SEG’s ongoing support of the AHA’s Life is Why campaign, which works to inspire healthier lives and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention.
Now through February 25, customers at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores across the Southeastern United States will have the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Shoppers can donate $1, $5, or round up their grocery bills to contribute to the AHA’s lifesaving efforts. All proceeds raised during this three-week donation period will go directly to the American Heart Association to fund local initiatives focused on innovative research, survivor support services, and community-based prevention programs. These programs are critical in helping individuals lower their risk of heart disease and stroke, which together are responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined.
Heart disease and stroke remain among the leading causes of death in the United States, with someone dying from a cardiovascular-related event every 34 seconds. This stark reality underscores the importance of early prevention, education, and life-saving interventions. Southeastern Grocers, through this partnership with the American Heart Association, is helping to take concrete steps toward changing these statistics by providing resources that empower individuals to prioritize their heart health.
Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, expressed his commitment to the cause by emphasizing the company’s dedication to both community wellness and supporting life-saving initiatives. “We believe in the power of community and the importance of prioritizing heart health. Through our ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association and the Life is Why campaign, we are proud to provide our customers with an opportunity to support lifesaving initiatives that make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Together, we can take meaningful steps to combat heart disease and stroke while inspiring our neighbors to live healthier lives.”
Southeastern Grocers’ dedication to improving heart health doesn’t stop with donations. The company is actively helping customers make better dietary choices by offering a wide range of heart-healthy products at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie. The grocer’s commitment to providing nutritious, fresh, and high-quality food options empowers shoppers to adopt heart-smart eating habits. Adopting a balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it crucial for consumers to choose foods that promote heart health. SEG’s focus on healthy food choices aligns seamlessly with the broader goal of supporting healthier lifestyles and combating the growing threat of cardiovascular disease.
Caitlin Brunell, Executive Director for the First Coast American Heart Association, highlighted the profound impact of the partnership, noting the importance of community involvement and the resources the campaign can provide. “Every second counts when it comes to heart health. By partnering with Southeastern Grocers and their generous customers, we are able to equip communities with vital resources like CPR equipment and education to help save lives. The Life is Why campaign is a call to action to honor what matters most – our reasons to live healthier, longer lives – and we are proud to work with Southeastern Grocers to bring this mission to life.”
The AHA’s Life is Why campaign is designed to inspire and empower individuals to make heart-healthy decisions and take steps toward a longer, healthier life. By supporting this initiative, SEG customers can help raise awareness and fund critical programs that directly impact the well-being of their neighbors. These resources are essential in addressing the ongoing battle against cardiovascular diseases and their devastating effects on individuals and families.
Through its partnership with the American Heart Association, Southeastern Grocers has already contributed nearly $1.5 million to the AHA’s efforts. This significant donation underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to its communities and to making a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by heart disease and stroke. The partnership aims to not only raise funds but also to foster a collective sense of responsibility in improving public health outcomes.
For SEG customers, participating in this initiative is simple and impactful. When shopping at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, customers can choose to make a contribution at checkout by selecting a donation amount of $1, $5, or by rounding up their bill. These donations, however small, add up quickly and have a significant effect on the health of individuals across the region. Every dollar counts when it comes to supporting crucial research, funding survivor programs, and enabling educational outreach that saves lives.
The American Heart Association’s ongoing mission is to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke in the U.S. through education, research, and advocacy. The organization is committed to improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans and reducing disparities in health outcomes. One of the key components of this mission is public education, which focuses on increasing awareness about the risk factors for heart disease, the importance of early detection, and the significance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
SEG’s involvement in American Heart Month represents a vital extension of its overall corporate social responsibility efforts, demonstrating how businesses can have a positive impact on public health. By raising funds for the AHA, SEG is supporting groundbreaking research into the causes of heart disease and stroke, which could ultimately lead to more effective treatments and preventive measures. It is also helping to provide access to life-saving education and resources for communities that are most at risk.
As part of the AHA’s Life is Why campaign, SEG customers are encouraged to honor their reasons to live healthier lives by making donations that directly benefit people living with cardiovascular conditions. The donations are also used to provide vital programs, such as CPR training, which equips bystanders to perform life-saving interventions in emergency situations. The ability to act quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency can make all the difference in saving a life.
By participating in this initiative, SEG customers are playing an essential role in addressing the pressing public health challenge of cardiovascular disease. The combined efforts of SEG, the AHA, and the generous contributions of shoppers will help fund programs that support individuals who are working to manage heart disease, prevent future cases, and ensure that life-saving medical research continues.
Southeastern Grocers’ collaboration with the American Heart Association is just one example of how businesses can leverage their platforms to create lasting social change. The company’s ongoing efforts during American Heart Month are helping to shine a spotlight on the importance of heart health and the need for collective action in the fight against heart disease and stroke. With continued support from both the business and local communities, SEG and the American Heart Association are confident that they can make a real difference in the lives of individuals throughout the Southeast.
To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and how you can get involved, visit www.heart.org. Through your support, you can help raise awareness, fund critical programs, and inspire others to prioritize their heart health and live longer, healthier lives. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the fight against cardiovascular disease.
