Winn-Dixie Foundation Donates $1.4 Million to 116 Southeast Charities

The Winn-Dixie Foundation announced today it is investing nearly $1.4 million in neighborhoods across the Southeast through partnerships with 116 nonprofit organizations, providing a broad range of services critical to helping communities flourish and individuals triumph.

"Winn Dixie is at the heart of the neighborhoods we serve,” said Mary Kellmanson, marketing group vice-president of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., and president of the Winn-Dixie Foundation. "We are inspired by the stories we hear from past recipients, and we look forward to seeing the good work our newest partners will do in the coming year. Empowering these organizations through the Winn-Dixie Foundation with needed resources is one of many ways we invest in our communities.”

By providing grants to programs that feed the hungry, assist women and children in need, help the sick, and address inequalities in education and health, the Winn-Dixie Foundation touches neighbors in five states across the Southeast. The Foundation’s work depends on the generous business partners that support the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open presented by Planters, a PGA TOUR Nationwide Tour event.

Last year, the Winn-Dixie Foundation helped fund 83 programs that brighten the lives of people who need a helping hand. Neighborhoods in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi benefited from efforts that are locally based and targeted to local needs.

During the last year, the Winn-Dixie Foundation spent time visiting with grant recipients in neighborhoods across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi to see its partners in action. The Foundation helped an organization feed 45,000 children in Baton Rouge, La. It helped former tennis pro MaliVai Washington’s Kids Foundation teach life skills and provide scholarships to the 20,000 kids helped by his Jacksonville, Fla., group. It helped a South Florida organization in its fight against cancer and a Central Florida organization in its battle against domestic abuse. Click here to view Winn-Dixie Foundation video.

About Winn-Dixie Foundation

Established in 1943, the Winn-Dixie Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making each neighborhood Winn-Dixie serves a better place to live. The Foundation awards grants to organizations that support programs and initiatives which help to foster healthy and thriving communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. To learn more about the Winn-Dixie Foundation, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.

About Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation’s largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the Company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. The Company currently operates approximately 480 retail grocery locations and approximately 380 in-store pharmacies in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.