We are an integral part of the communities we operate in. Building healthy, prosperous communities, customers, and associates is key to our success. Supporting our local communities builds associate pride and makes our business a valued community member.
We provide support to our communities at a local level by doing what we do best. As an employer and food retailer, we boost local economies by hiring local associates, promoting local producers, and volunteering our time. As a food operator, we focus our community programs around health and nutrition and supporting people in need with food donations. In 2010, our operating companies have responded to two key challenges: the growing financial pressures, and the devastation from natural disasters like the Mentawai tsunami and the Merapi volcano eruption in Indonesia. Click here to read more about the programs in place at each of our banners.
What are we doing about community work?
Affecting the local economy
We employ 138 600 associates, the majority of whom live close to work. By employing local people, promoting local products, and building partnerships with local suppliers, we can boost the local economies in which we operate and live. Details can be found in our 2010 insight on local sourcing here.
Food donations
In addition to supporting food fundraising through the store networks, our banners donate food directly to local foodbanks. During 2010, these direct food donations provided approximately 202 000 meals in Belgium and 34.5 million meals in the U.S. See our 2010 insight here.
Over 2010, Indonesia suffered a number of natural disasters, including the Merapi volcano eruption and the Mentawai tsunami. These events killed hundreds and made hundreds of thousands homeless. Super Indo contributed relief funds to help victims, donated basic need products to two refugee camps, and held a customer donation campaign,
raising EUR 42 000 for a local nonprofit organization.
Cash donations
Our Group approach is to favor in-kind over cash donations. In 2010, we donated the equivalent of 0.5% of our pre-tax profit in cash – slightly down from 0.6% in 2009.
The majority of these go towards healthy eating education for children in partnership with schools or local organizations. The Delhaize Group Fund also donates approximately EUR 150 000 each year to support organizations that foster local integration.
Click here to learn more about the Delhaize Group Fund.
What do our stakeholders think about it?
Delhaize America and its associates have been a true partner to the Feeding America network, providing hunger relief in communities across the country. Product contributions through the Retail Store Donation Program and support of child hunger programs like the BackPack Program and Kids Cafes have provided more than 40 Feeding America member food banks with the resources they need to meet the needs of children and their families at risk of hunger.
Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America