Safeway Commits to Hiring 1,000 Veterans in 2013 and Launches Fundraiser for Veterans

PLEASANTON, Calif., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) today announced it will expand its support of America's military veterans by hiring at least 1,000 military veterans in 2013 to add to the 1,300 hired to date in 2012. In addition, the company is raising money this Veterans Day weekend for organizations that help veterans recover from service-related injuries and/or return to the civilian workforce.

The hiring and financial commitments reinforce Safeway's longstanding dedication to honoring and supporting the country's military. From donating and shipping more than 2,000 care packages to soldiers serving overseas, to continuing full benefits for Safeway employees who are called from reserve to active duty, to training and placing veterans into highly sought-after positions, the company demonstrates its appreciation to those who serve in the military.

"We are honored to assist those who have protected our freedom at home and abroad," said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President and Chair of The Safeway Foundation. "Likewise, we have tapped into the knowledge and leadership skills of these remarkable professionals to enhance our workforce. We urge other companies to do the same and benefit from the talent that comes with military experience."

Though Safeway has supported the Armed Forces and military personnel for years, 2012 marks the second year that the company has dedicated the three-day Veterans Day weekend to raising money for key veteran-related causes. In 2011, the company raised $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that provides medical and emotional support to "wounded warriors" who incurred service-related injuries on or after September 11, 2001. This year, The Safeway Foundation's November 9 through November 11 fundraising effort in most stores will also benefit various organizations and outreach programs that help veterans gain the skills and resources necessary to transition to civilian jobs. 

In addition to our goal of hiring over 1,000 military veterans both in 2012 and 2013, Safeway has created an ambitious and successful Junior Military Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer program to train and place veterans in top store and backstage leadership positions. The 41-week intensive training program includes a combination of on-the-job training, mentoring, classroom seminars, job shadowing and independent study, as well as participating in numerous department and key leadership strategy sessions.  At the end of the program, participants are qualified to hold a number of leadership positions, including Store Manager and Warehouse Superintendent.

Supporting veterans and the military is part of Safeway's overall focus on corporate social responsibility and making a difference in the communities it serves. The company is an industry leader in environmental sustainability, ethical business practices and effective community outreach.  Safeway upholds an operating philosophy that is rooted in corporate social responsibility focused on four key fundamentals: People, Products, Community, and the Planet.  These fundamentals are "The Heart of Safeway," bringing together our passion for food and serving our customers with the rapidly developing needs of our communities and our planet. In 2011, the company raised and donated more than $180 million for hunger relief, education and the previously mentioned important causes.

ABOUT SAFEWAY www.Safeway.com 
Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,644 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $43.6 billion in 2011. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

SOURCE Safeway Inc.