Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces its continued partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) 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, BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and 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.

Elizabeth Thompson, EVP and Chief People Officer of Southeastern Grocers, said, “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. 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.

Amber Wilson, Executive Director of American Heart Association - First Coast, said, “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. 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, BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores 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 BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and 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.