How woke is Safeway?

Introduction

Safeway, a well-known supermarket chain with a rich history dating back to 1915, now operates under the umbrella of Albertsons Companies. With its significant presence across the United States, Safeway has become a major player in the grocery industry. But beyond groceries, how does Safeway fare in terms of woke policies and practices?

 Let’s check out 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.

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 efforts underscore Safeway’s dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

Safeway’s extensive DEI policies, support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, and integration of social activism into its marketing strategies make it a notably woke brand. While the company’s financial contributions are balanced between Democratic and Republican causes, their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community support highlights their progressive stance. Safeway’s efforts to promote an inclusive workplace, and showcase their dedication to social justice.