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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) are core values at Grocery Outlet. We drive change through ED&I. We value integrity through doing what is right, not what is convenient.

Our mission is to Touch Lives for the Better. To do this, we work together to foster a culture grounded in talented and passionate people who live our values: Entrepreneurship, Integrity, Achievement, Family, Service to Others, Diversity and Fun.

We strive to nurture and uphold an inclusive, diverse environment free from discrimination of any kind, including sexual or other discriminatory harassment.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is critical to our long-term business success. Grocery Outlet has several employee networks and initiatives that enhance our inclusive and diverse culture, including our Black Partnership Network, our WOW! (Winning with Outstanding Women) Network, and our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council. Grocery Outlet employees also participate in regular training on diversity and inclusion topics.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council

The Grocery Outlet Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Council was formed in July 2020 to help guide our company strategy as it relates to ED&I. The council meets monthly to support our mission, vision, values and efforts to develop and maintain an inclusive culture.

Our Mission

The mission of the ED&I Council is to nurture a culture where our unique family is celebrated, empowered, and all identities thrive. We aspire to touch all lives for the better through equity and equality.

Meet The Council

The council is comprised of employees of diverse backgrounds, positions, and perspectives, to ensure diverse voices are being represented throughout the company.

Alejandro Alvarez Correa

Alejandro Alvarez Correa

Chief Marketing Officer

Andrea Bortner - Chief HR Officer

Andrea Bortner

Chief HR Officer

Carmelita Botelho

Carmelita Botelho

VP, Real Estate

Ana Cheng - VP Human Resources

Ana Cheng

VP, Human Resources

Alejandro Garibaldo

Alejandro Garibaldo

VP, AOT Training & New Store Growth

Ashley Hoedt

Sr. Director, Communications & Events

Maria Martin

Maria Martin

Manager, Distribution

Melinda McClure

Melinda McClure

VP, Supply Chain – Strategy & Engineering

Shaun Mcelrath

Shaun Mcelrath

Sr. Director Enterprise PMO

Richele Middlebrooks

Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition

Will Solper

Sr. Director, Organizational Effectiveness

Kristina Van Hook

Kristina Van Hook

Director – Sales & Merch

Impact Inside and Out

Independence For Hunger

Independence From Hunger

Our commitment to community extends well past our storefronts. We pride ourselves on giving back to local communities through our Independence from Hunger food drive, supporting over 400 local partners in the communities we serve.

Spanning the entire month of July, the campaign collects food and cash donations in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 450+ stores along with online donations.

Food Waste

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance

Each year in the United States, over 100 billion pounds of food is wasted. At Grocery Outlet, we believe that being a good environmental and social citizen is not just the right thing to do from a moral perspective, but the right thing to do for long-term value creation. Our unique business model reduces food waste through opportunistic purchasing along with our flexible supply chain. As a result, we provide affordable nutrition to lower income members of our communities, and to communities that otherwise might be food deserts.

ESG Report
Learning

Education Programs

At Grocery Outlet, we value learning as a lifelong process. Our Education Assistance Program provides tuition reimbursement for relevant courses at accredited colleges for full-time employees who desire to improve job-related skills through formal education.

Employee Resource Groups

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) support our diverse spectrum of employees at Grocery Outlet.

The WOW! Network (Winning with Outstanding Women)

Our WOW! Network strives to Attract, Amplify and Advance the women of Grocery Outlet. The WOW! Network is Grocery Outlet’s female executive-founded group geared toward the advancement and development of women within our organization. The WOW! Network works to recognize and ensure that women-wins are visible. From hosting panel discussions and development workshops to a twice-yearly book club, the WOW! Network aims to give our female employees the skills they need to advance both personally and professionally.

The Black Partnership Network’s

The overall goal of the Black Partnership Network (BPN) is to create an experience of “Bliss” for Grocery Outlet’s Black employees. BPN values a work environment that acknowledges, accepts, and celebrates the culture of differentiated thought and unique experiences from minority employees. BPN believes diversity of thought and culture is the key to team and company success. The group promotes professional and personal development and works to build a sense of community among Grocery Outlet’s Black employees and allies, as well as encourages mental, physical, and financial wellness for its members.

Employee Testimonials

“Grocery Outlet has always been closely connected with the community and we pride ourselves on creativity, being humble and allowing our employees to have a voice. This past year Grocery Outlet evolved from not just celebrating the diversity within our organization but educating, lifting and truly embodying an inclusive work place. I am so proud to work for a company that allows us to express who we are, celebrates the differences and embraces change.”

Jayne Dangerfield, Manager – AOT Recruiting

“When people ask me what I like about Grocery Outlet, I say, ‘We get to help make people’s dreams of business ownership come true.’ Grocery Outlet has provided me with opportunities, continued education, and support that helps me stretch and grow in my career. It’s fulfilling to work for a company that lives by its mission of ‘Touching Lives for the Better.’”

Chris Taylor, VP – Product Management

“Being a part of the Grocery Outlet family as an Associate Buyer has turned out to be one of my greatest career moves. Not only do I feel comfortable and empowered to make decisions on the company’s behalf, it’s rewarding to know what I do helps our Operators and their teams. The dedication in maintaining the culture throughout Grocery Outlet is unmeasurable. The company truly feels like a family. The commitment in feeding the community at a valued price shows how in touch we are with our consumer.”

Pebbles Johnson, Buyer
Employees