How woke is Safeway?

Introduction

Safeway, a well-known grocery chain with a history dating back to 1915, now operates under the Albertsons Companies and Safeway umbrella. As one of the largest supermarkets in the U.S., Safeway competes with industry leaders like Kroger, Costco, and other grocery store chains. But beyond groceries, how does Safeway fare in terms of woke policies and corporate activism?

Let’s examine their financial contributions, DEI policies, mandatory training sessions, support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, and marketing strategies to see just how progressive this brand really is.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

When it comes to financial contributions, Safeway seems to play both sides. Through its political action committees (PACs) and individual employees, Safeway contributed a total of $367,864 during the 2014 election cycle, with the majority (96.72%) coming from PACs.

Notable recipients include the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee, reflecting Safeway’s bipartisan approach.

However, with increasing scrutiny on the Kroger and Albertsons merger, financial contributions from major grocery store chains like Safeway may come under greater examination. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general have been investigating corporate consolidation and its impact on market competition, raising concerns about market share, higher prices, and potential antitrust violations. As Safeway remains a key player in the retail grocery sector, its financial dealings will likely attract more attention, especially as debates over the supermarket merger intensify.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Safeway’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is front and center. Their annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report highlights various DEI initiatives.

Progressive Grocer, citing Safeway’s CSR report, says: “As part of Safeway’s commitment to diversity, the company maintains and promotes an active and effective range of employee network groups including those serving women, Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees.”

Under Albertsons, Safeway’s supplier diversity program also aims to partner with businesses owned by underrepresented groups.

Additionally, the “Championing Change for Women” initiative promotes women’s advancement within the company.

These programs position Safeway as a grocery giant that actively supports social change, though they also invite criticism from those who oppose corporate activism in business operations.

Mandatory Training Sessions

As part of Albertsons’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, the company holds workshops, including the “Leading with Inclusion” workshop in 2022. These sessions focus on raising awareness about bias and promoting an inclusive work environment.

Over 15,000 associates attended, according to their DEI page. However, it’s unclear whether this training, or any other training on social activism within Safeway or Albertsons, is mandatory.

Corporate training programs focused on social activism have faced pushback in various industries, with critics arguing that they may enforce ideological viewpoints rather than foster genuine inclusivity. As federal regulators and state attorneys general continue to investigate grocery store chains, it remains to be seen whether such initiatives will impact Safeway’s corporate standing in 2025, particularly in light of potential legal challenges or consumer pushback.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Safeway is a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ initiatives. The company consistently achieves a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), designating it as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”

They offer inclusive benefits, such as domestic partner and transgender-inclusive health care benefits.

The GALA (Safeway LGBT and Allies) employee resource group, established in 2006, provides a supportive network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

Safeway also financially sponsors and participates in annual LGBTQ+ events and causes, demonstrating their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

“We pride ourselves on embracing and celebrating the rich diversity of our employees, customers and suppliers,” Executive VP Larree Renda says in a report by Business Management Daily.

With ongoing merger discussions and potential shifts in corporate policy under Kroger and Albertsons, Safeway’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights may evolve in response to market pressures and regulatory oversight.

Marketing and Branding

Safeway’s marketing and branding strategies are infused with social justice themes. Safeway, for example, emphasizes environmental sustainability, with efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, promote sustainable products, and implement energy-efficient practices in stores.

“Safeway prioritizes sustainability throughout all of our operations and was excited about the opportunity to pilot the GSC [Grocery Stewardship Certification] at our California stores,” according to Jonathan Mayes, SVP, external affairs and chief diversity officer at Safeway, a banner of the Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos.

Safeway’s active celebration of Pride Month and support for LGBTQ+ initiatives are also integral to its marketing efforts. However, as debates over corporate social responsibility and antitrust concerns grow, Safeway’s branding approach may come under greater scrutiny, particularly from those who view corporate activism as an overreach into political and social affairs.

Conclusion

Safeway’s extensive DEI policies, LGBTQ+ support, and corporate social responsibility programs solidify its status as a notably progressive grocery store chain. While its political contributions remain balanced between Democratic and Republican causes, the company’s broader commitment to inclusion, diversity, and social activism signals a clear ideological stance.

With increasing regulatory focus on the supermarket merger between Kroger and Albertsons, Safeway’s future as a grocery giant will depend on how these policies align with consumer expectations, regulatory requirements, and competitive market dynamics. As 2025 unfolds, Safeway will continue to navigate the challenges of maintaining its progressive corporate identity while adapting to the changing landscape of the grocery industry.