How woke is General Mills?

Introduction

When you think of General Mills, you probably picture your favorite childhood cereals or baking mixes. But there’s more behind the scenes than just breakfast nostalgia. This brand has jumped headfirst into social justice, diversity, and progressive policies. 

But what does that mean? Let’s peel back the layers of this iconic company and see how deep its progressive roots go.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

General Mills donated $91 million to charitable causes in fiscal 2023. These causes address issues like hunger relief, sustainability, and community development.  A little digging also shows that since 1990, General Mills has funneled over $1.1 million to political candidates, PACs, and parties, with a hefty chunk going to Democrats and liberal causes.

And it doesn’t stop there. Their Civic Involvement page is a love letter to activism, as they also admit to working with NGOs to push these agendas. 

Prioritization of DEI Policies

In its 2023 Global Responsibility Report, General Mills proclaims that its commitment to DEI is more than just a numbers game. They aim to “foster an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued and heard.” To achieve this, they set goals to ensure their workforce is as diverse as possible. 

They hit the milestone of having over 40% of management roles held by women and 24% by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. With the addition of employee groups such as the Black Champions Network, Hispanic Network, Pride Network, and others, they strive to ensure every voice is heard. 

Mandatory Training Sessions

There’s no information on General Mills engaging its employees in mandatory unconscious bias and critical race theory training sessions. Either it does not exist, or it is not made public. 

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

General Mills supports the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates Pride Month in the U.S. and worldwide. They believe everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging at General Mills, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Sounds inclusive, right? But it doesn’t stop at the rainbow flags and hashtags.

They have an allyship program encouraging employees to participate in workshops and discussions about LGBTQ+ issues, creating a “culture of belonging and respect.” 

Marketing and Branding

Their Responsible Marketing and Advertising guidelines ensure they represent diverse communities “fairly and authentically.” Every ad is an opportunity to remind us just how woke they are. 

Then there’s the climate activism angle. Their Global Responsibility Report clarifies that General Mills is using their marketing to champion environmental causes, advocating for regenerative agriculture and eco-friendly practices. While inclusivity is excellent, sometimes it feels like they’re trying too hard to check every diversity box.

Conclusion

So, where does that leave us? General Mills is a brand that’s made it clear where they stand. This is your brand if you want a company that mirrors progressive values. But if you prefer your cereal without a side of activism, you should reach for something else in the breakfast aisle.