Every Vote Counts

In August, we first shared our Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan with our associates, and last week we shared this plan publicly. I am so proud of how our associates have come together and really listened to and learned from each other and our community partners. I’m grateful for those who stepped forward to speak openly and share what meaningful action looks like to them. This feedback helped us build a plan to move us forward, together.

As part of our commitment, we said we’d encourage associates to vote and participate in the electoral process. Over the past months, we’ve shared tools and resources to help our associates have the information needed to register and make plans to vote. In addition, we contacted Secretary of State and Board of Elections offices in more than 30 states to offer our stores as a distribution point for absentee and/or mail-in ballot applications. While a limited number of states accepted the offer – some cited resource challenges or regulatory hurdles – we felt it was important as community partners to proactively reach out and offer support.

Tomorrow is Election Day and while more than 90 million Americans have voted early, millions more will vote tomorrow. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to vote and make your voice heard – every vote counts.

We respect that there are differences in opinion across the country. We also know that the more diverse we are, and the more we learn from each other, the stronger we grow.

No matter the outcome of the election, how we operate, and more importantly how we treat each, other will not change. Now and each day, we remain guided by Our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit and Our Values of Integrity & Honesty, Safety & Respect, and Diversity & Inclusion. These are our core beliefs – the essence of who we are.

Rodney