Grocers donate $3M to Wounded Warrior Project

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A check for just over $3 million raised through customer and vendor donations and all profits earned at Winn-Dixie, Harveys and BI-LO grocery stores on July 4 was presented Friday to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The parent company of the three grocery chains, Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, presented a check for $3,044.091.38 to fund the project's Independence Program, which helps warriors live life fully on their own terms.

The donation includes funds raised through checkout contributions, as well as donations through each grocery store chain's website. Additionally, all profits earned from each of Southern Grocers' nearly 790 stores on July 4 were donated. 

"The overwhelming success of the Independence Day promotion surpassed every expectation we had and we are profoundly grateful to Southeastern Grocers and each and every shopper who came out in support of those wounded protecting the freedoms we all hold so dear," said Steve Nardizzi, WWP chief executive officer.

"I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support this program received from our associates, customers and even from individuals living outside of the communities we serve," said Ian McLeod, CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers.