Safeway named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Pleasanton, Calif. Safeway has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the second year in a row. The ranking recognizes sustainability leaders from each industry on global and regional levels for superior environmental, economic and social achievements. Companies are evaluated on factors such as corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards and labor practices.

“Safeway adheres to a broad and ambitious corporate social responsibility strategy that allows us to achieve business success while having a positive impact on our communities and preserving the environment,” said Larree Renda, Safeway executive VP and president of Safeway Health.

Some areas where Safeway has made significant progress include:

• Instituted a reuse and recycling program that allows the company to divert nearly 520,000 tons of material from landfills annually.

• Launched a companywide volunteer effort to donate 1 million volunteer hours annually to the communities in which Safeway operates.

• Raised and donated more than $144 million for breast cancer and prostate cancer research and treatment.

• Raised and donated nearly $95 million for charities that assist people with disabilities, including Easter Seals, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Special Olympics.

• Partnered with Fishwise -- a nonprofit organization focused on improving the sustainability and financial performance of seafood retailers, distributors and producers -- to implement a comprehensive sustainable seafood sourcing policy.

• Assembled an Animal Welfare Committee to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

• Won the Catalyst Award for the development and promotion of women in the workplace.