Grocery store customers asked to donate to 'DEI awareness' at checkout — funds support organizations challenging 'racial inequities'

Washington grocery store customers shopping at one chain are being asked to donate to "DEI awareness" at the checkout kiosk.

Photographs obtained by Fox News Digital revealed that Haggen, a grocery store owned by Albertsons, is asking customers at the checkout to provide donations to a pool of organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The screens at the self-checkout kiosks at Haggen, which has 15 store locations in Washington, ask customers, "Would you like to donate to help advocate for DEI awareness?"

Customers can then select $1, $2, $5, another amount, or choose not to donate.

A sign next to the checkout informs shoppers that they can donate at "any register" from June 14 to August 8 to the store's own charity, the Haggen Foundation. The advertisement notes that donations will "support organizations that make positive social changes to ensure all community members live a healthy and fully inclusive life."

An Albertsons spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the donations would be used to support multiple organizations.

"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," the spokesperson said.

The Haggen Foundation's website states that contributions will benefit 14 nonprofits, including the Northwest Justice Project, which seeks to combat "structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State," according to the nonprofit's website.

In 2022, the Haggen Foundation ran a fundraising campaign that distributed donations to the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project, which strives "to undo systemic oppression in its many forms," and Empower Next Generations, which aims to promote "social equity, cultural diversity, [and] inclusion."

Albertsons Companies operates 2,200 stores in 34 states and owns several grocery store chains, including Safeway, Shaw's, Vons, and Randalls.

The group's DEI statement confirms the company's commitment to "diversity, equity, and inclusion and thoughtful people practices."

Group Vice President, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer Monique Lanaux stated, "We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that every associate is to be celebrated and have equal access to opportunities and resources. We will advance our culture through open communication and ensure that everyone - customers, associates, business partners, and people in the neighborhoods in which we operate - are treated with Courtesy, Dignity and Respect."

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