I am pleased to introduce Safeway’s consolidated corporate social responsibility report. For the first time, we have combined three reports from previous years (giving, environment and social responsibility) into a single comprehensive document that is designed to provide our readership with a clearer picture of all that our company is doing on a broad range of initiatives.
At Safeway, we are proud of the reputation we have developed as a responsible steward of the planet and the communities we serve. For example, Safeway is one of the largest contributors to food banks and feeding programs in our operating areas – last year we donated more than $175 million of food product to hunger relief programs. Over the last 20 years, we have raised more than $100 million to benefit Easter Seals and other charities that assist people with disabilities. Safeway is one of the largest corporate fundraisers for breast and prostate cancer research, raising more than $100 million since 2001. Safeway began employing sustainable business practices long before it became part of a collective conscience. We have long been a dedicated recycler and composter. In recent years, we have taken things to a new level with significant investments in wind and solar power as well as a range of additional initiatives with “green” energy in our stores.
We have been busy on other fronts, too. In 2008, the company was singled out by a major food industry trade publication for its work as a “champion of diversity” and our record of promoting workforce diversity. Safeway launched an employee health and wellness service called CareConnect, and is providing additional wellness based tools to our customer population as well.
Our workforce is changing, as is our customer base. They are looking for ways to be better individual stewards of the planet. They expect businesses to share their passion for the planet and be partners in making our community a better place. We have heard and embraced that message. In fact, we have committed ourselves to building on our strong foundation with an ongoing set of sustainability initiatives that make sense for our customers, employees and planet.
This is a progress report on that objective. It reflects our open and candid assessment of the advancements our company has made under the vast banner of corporate social responsibility. We are not perfect, but we feel very good about our progress. Safeway sees the pursuit of truly sustainable, responsible business practices as a work in progress, an ongoing journey. It demands that we stay current with the sciences that govern how our business consumes energy and other natural resources. It asks that we listen to the needs of our communities and respond appropriately.
One thing remains clear: the world will continue to change. Businesses that are judged by their customers and employees as doing the right thing, as being innovators and leaders on the green/community front, will be rewarded in the marketplace. Through it all, we will not compromise the quality of service and value you have come to expect from Safeway. Thank you for taking the time to read this report.
