Meijer has donated $300,000 to the National Minority Supplier Development Council as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The contribution will be divided between six NMSDC affiliate councils that support minority-owned businesses within the retailer's six-state footprint.
"Our supplier diversity efforts go beyond our current vendor relationships—we want to create a pipeline of opportunity and empowerment that will bolster the success of diverse entrepreneurs across the Midwest for years to come," Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said in a statement. "That's why we value the important work the NMSDC is doing to strengthen minority-owned businesses in our communities and look forward to partnering on our shared goals.”
NMSDC and its affiliate councils advance certified minority-owned businesses by offering education and development programs, networking opportunities, and increased visibility and connections to help them grow.
This donation comes at an important time because, according to the council, the pandemic continues to take a severe toll on minority-owned businesses, especially because minority communities tend to be impacted most deeply by economic recession.
"Supporting minority-owned businesses is the right thing to do for our communities and our customers, now more than ever," said Carla Hendon, director of supplier diversity and indirect procurement at Meijer. "It's exciting to know that the businesses we are helping through this donation could grow to become our vendor partners.”
The retailer's donation will be divided among the following affiliate councils: Chicago MSDC, which serves Metro Chicago and Northwest Indiana; Michigan MSDC; Mid-States MSDC, which serves Indiana (except Northwest Indiana), Central Illinois, and Eastern Missouri; North Central MSDC, which serves Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; Ohio MSDC; and TriState MSDC, which serves Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The NMSDC donation is part of the retailer's end-of-year donation efforts, totaling $6.5 million that will support its key areas of giving: Hunger Relief, Diversity & Inclusion, and Sustainability and Local Giving.
Related: Black Restaurant Accelerator Program Recipients Chosen; Food Makers Honor Pride Month by Giving Back, Looking Ahead.