CLAY COUNTY – Southeastern Grocers, Inc., parent company and home of Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces its continued partnership with the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke through Life Is Why We Give, the organization’s fundraising campaign, to protect the health of individuals and communities, especially those with increased risks impacted by COVID-19.

Now through Aug. 25, Winn-Dixie customers can choose to simply round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or make a contact-free donation of their choice at the register while grocery shopping. Each cent raised through the three-week program will help save and improve lives through innovative research for new treatments, programs and services for survivors and their families, and to help more people lower their risk of heart disease and stroke.

“The health of our associates, customers and communities is at the heart of our business, especially as the country continues to adapt in the face of the evolving pandemic,” said Elizabeth Thompson, EVP and Chief People Officer of Southeastern Grocers. “We are proud to stand with the American Heart Association to encourage our neighbors to educate themselves and make their health and wellbeing a priority. Our customers can support heart and brain health by rounding up their grocery bills at checkout and together, we will continue the fight against heart disease and stroke to cultivate stronger and healthier communities.”

The Life Is Why We Give campaign aims to amplify, educate and inspire consumers to honor their reasons to live healthier, longer lives through giving. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 killer of Americans, according to the AHA. In fact, someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 40 seconds in this country. This effort is also a part of SEG’s Positive Change Round Up Campaign to help minimize the impact of the current nationwide coin shortage while also providing support to various charitable organizations committed to serving individuals and families in need.

“We are so excited for the continued support of Southeastern Grocers and the incredible generosity of their guests and team members who have contributed more than $650,000 for the Life is Why We Give campaign since 2019,” said Amber Wilson, Executive Director of American Heart Association - First Coast. “This campaign allows the American Heart Association to discover breakthroughs and to raise funds for research, education and prevention programs to create a world of longer and healthier lives.”

In its second year partnering with the AHA, the grocer continues to empower customers to take control of their health and increase awareness of heart disease and stroke during the current in-store community donation program. In 2019, Southeastern Grocers raised nearly $660,000 for the AHA with the help of their generous customers. Additionally, customers can access a variety of health and wellness resources in all Winn-Dixie in-store pharmacies. This includes free blood pressure readings to learn their numbers and expert advice from pharmacists for customized and convenient care they can count on.

There are seven Winn-Dixie stores in the Clay area – Middleburg, Fleming Island, two in Orange Park, Lake Asbury, Argyle Forest and Green Cove Springs.