Standing Proud as an Ally this Pride Month

Jun 1, 2023

Movember blue photo for article

Standing on the side of the LGBTQ+ community is part of our people-first philosophy.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, when the LGBTQ+ community protested a police raid that turned violent. These six days of protests marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, and SK Food Group stands as an ally with the LGBTQ+ community today.

What does it mean to be an ally?

For us, supporting the LGBTQ+ community is a natural expression of our core values and people-first approach to business. Quite simply, we strive to make sure that everyone we work with – from our Associates to our customers and local communities – are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their identity. This includes gender identity, expression or sexual orientation.

“You simply must have a culture where Associates feel engaged and empowered to be their full selves.”

— Craig Sawyer, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, SK Food Group

This commitment also drives our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, programs and initiatives. Our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (DIAC), a group of senior company leaders and Associates, are building an organizational culture in which social and racial equity are embedded in our business practices and our core values are aligned with our actions. Two of these values say it all: We Care and Do the Right Thing.

This Pride Month, we encourage everyone at SK Food Group to celebrate, learn, and talk to each other! Here are some resources to get started, from ordering a Pride flag, to getting support in the communities where we work, to tips on having respectful conversations and being a good ally.

OUR Center logo

Located in Reno, Our Center offers advocacy, education and services through community building, arts and culture programming and inclusive activities.  

PHX Pride LGBT Center logo

A guide for the LGBT community in Phoenix. 

Stonewall Columbus logo

Central Ohio’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Community Organization.

Pride Palace logo

Order a free Pride flag! 

Pride bracelet photo

In celebration with the DIAC committee, we are handing out rainbow colored bracelets to our Associates in the facilities within Premium Brands.

decent work and economic growth

Our goal to encourage a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.