Wash. State grocery store asks customers to support ‘racial inequality’ at checkout
A Washington state-based grocery chain is under scrutiny for asking customers to donate to diversity, equity and inclusion “awareness” with some online critics lobbing criticism at the company.
A screenshot obtained by Fox News Digital shows a checkout kiosk at Haggen Grocery Store that asks shoppers whether they want to donate $1, $3, $5 or another amount to “help advocate for DEI Awareness” when they checkout.
Customers can also decline if they want, the screenshot shows.
Haggen is owned by mega-company Albertsons.
Behind the kiosk, an advertisement for the Haggen Foundation tells patrons that from June 14 through mid-August, they can donate at any register to “support organizations that make positive social changes to ensure all community members live a healthy and fully inclusive life.”
One of the charities that would benefit from customers’ generosity is the Northwest Justice Project (NJP) which works to challenge “structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State,” according to its website.
“As a dynamic statewide law firm, we pursue our mission through legal advice and representation, community partnerships, and education to empower clients and combat injustice in all its forms,” the NJP states on its website.
“NJP endorses and has signed onto the principles and commitments of the Race Equity and Justice Initiative REJ.”
NJP provides legal assistance to thousands of low-income people in cases that include “family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs,” according to its website.
Other organizations receiving funds from Haggen’s charitable push this year include the American Cancer Society, Down Syndrome of Puget Sound, Disability Rights WA, Special Olympics and Washington STEM Center among other non-profits.
Some social media users took exception to the DEI donation solicitation.
“C’mon @Albertsons … this is beyond stupid,” one Twitter user.
“Too bad, I loved Albertsons,” another social media user tweeted.
“I hope I never have to shop at an Albertsons grocery or any other grocery store owned by Albertsons, ever again!” another social media user sounded off. “Take your DEI awareness and shove it where the sun don’t shine!”
Another user tweeted, “Donate to DEI woke crap at the checkout? Uggh not you too…”
“The fundraising campaign currently being conducted at Haggen in Washington will benefit non-profit organizations such as Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, Special Olympics Washington, Disability Rights Washington, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and American Cancer Society,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
Other brand names have faced boycotts from conservatives over recent business decisions they’ve made.
Bud Light has faced immense backlash over its partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney while Target was criticized over its collection of Pride Month LGBTQ kids clothing.
