On the first day of the new Trump administration, the President issued an executive order to revoke several DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) protections. This policy change enabled companies across the country to eliminate DEI hiring practices, protections and related incentives. As a result, many prominent businesses revealed that their commitment to DEI had largely been driven by legal requirements rather than genuine support. While some companies, such as Costco, Apple and Delta Airlines, have maintained a strong commitment to supporting marginalized communities, numerous others in the tech, automotive and grocery sectors have removed DEI frameworks from their policies.
Given the growing importance of DEI to a significant portion of the American public, consumers are increasingly making more informed choices about where they spend their money. In fact, many have begun to consider boycotting businesses that do not align with their values. For those who prioritize DEI, we offer a comprehensive guide to the grocery chains that do and do not support DEI initiatives.
We will provide an overview of the current landscape of national grocery shopping, including insights based on recent statements and developments. Many companies are attempting to avoid controversy on this issue, as they seek to maintain customer loyalty. It’s important to note that corporate policies on DEI can shift quickly, and we will continue to monitor and provide updates on businesses that are or are not supporting DEI efforts, particularly as the Trump administration continues to reduce protections for BIPOC, LGBTQ and disabled employees.
What Exactly Is DEI?
To fully understand the impact of the DEI framework on your business or family, it’s important to first clarify the meaning of the acronym. Recent rhetoric, particularly from Donald Trump and his associates, has attempted to dilute the concept by associating it with various critiques of business culture, often in ways that are disconnected from its true purpose. For instance, Trump controversially blamed the tragic January Washington DC plane crash on DEI policies, despite his administration’s previous actions to reduce the FAA’s funding and safety protocols just days before the incident. This claim lacked any substantive explanation, as it failed to demonstrate a clear link between diversity initiatives and safety measures.
At its core, DEI is a framework designed to ensure that individuals from disadvantaged communities have equitable opportunities to advance in the workforce. Diversity, equity and inclusion all aim to provide access and opportunities for individuals regardless of their race, gender, social status or sexual orientation. DEI initiatives can kickstart significant structural changes. For example, things such as mandates for businesses to hire a certain percentage of BIPOC employees, as well as other adjustments like ensuring accessibility through wheelchair ramps or recognizing cultural observances like Black History Month.
While DEI policies are not new, they gained prominence during the early years of the Biden administration, particularly in response to the social reckoning following the George Floyd protests. Contrary to some claims, DEI is a merit-based system intended to reduce workplace discrimination and provide a fairer and more inclusive work environment for all employees.
Which Grocery Chains Are Pulling Back Support On Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Initiatives?
As previously mentioned, numerous businesses have begun to discontinue their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies in response to executive orders from the Trump administration. While it may be concerning to see major corporations like Ford Motors, John Deere and Boeing retracting their commitments, these companies may not have a significant impact on your everyday purchases.
However, for many American consumers, the most immediate effects are likely to be felt in the grocery sector. Several prominent chains have explicitly stated their intention to reduce or eliminate their support for DEI initiatives. Among these are Target, Walmart and Amazon (via Whole Foods). This shift is particularly disheartening considering Target’s previously vocal advocacy for DEI, particularly after the George Floyd protests. In 2021, the Minneapolis-based retailer launched the Forward Founders initiative to support Black-owned products and local businesses, in addition to committing to increasing their BIPOC workforce by over 20% within three years.
While regional chains like Publix have not formally rescinded DEI policies, there have been observations regarding the company’s support for far-right Republican causes, including substantial financial contributions to the Trump campaign. Similarly, chains such as Aldi and Kroger have yet to make clear statements on their DEI policies, seemingly to avoid political controversy. Aldi representatives have affirmed their commitment to DEI, though references to these initiatives have been quietly removed from the company’s public-facing materials, including websites and policy documents.
As the economic ramifications of these decisions become more evident, it is likely that more chains will follow suit. A concerted effort by consumers to boycott companies such as Target, Walmart and Amazon could serve as a catalyst, encouraging other grocery chains to maintain or strengthen their DEI commitments, demonstrating that consumers’ purchasing decisions are a powerful force for promoting change.
Grocery Chains Maintaining Their DEI Commitments
Fortunately, not all grocery chains are retreating from their DEI commitments. Several companies, including Costco, Giant and Trader Joe’s, have publicly reaffirmed their dedication to DEI, standing firm in their positions. Costco, in particular, garnered significant attention when a group of shareholders threatened to divest if the company continued supporting what they termed the “woke” DEI movement. However, Costco’s leadership remained resolute, choosing to strengthen their commitment after finding that a substantial majority of their customers and employees supported the initiative.
Costco’s CEO, alongside other business leaders, highlighted the positive impact of DEI on their business strategies, as part of a coalition known as Washington Employers for Racial Equity (WERE). According to a recent newsletter from the group, “Equity will increase prosperity for our entire state. Our communities will be stronger, healthier and more vibrant. Our economy and our companies will benefit from a greater diversity of ideas, a more robust talent pipeline and increased opportunity for all Washingtonians. We will start by owning our part of this problem, actively working to contribute to solutions and using our voices to advocate for governmental action that supports transformational and lasting change.”
The Ongoing Debate Over DEI Initiatives
While many American consumers continue to strongly support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states has petitioned Costco CEO Ron Vachris and other prominent advocates of equity to reconsider their stance. Lawmakers are threatening lawsuits and other punitive measures against companies that uphold DEI policies, framing the issue as part of an ongoing cultural debate surrounding the advancement of marginalized communities. In the face of these challenges from federal, state and local governments, many consumers are left feeling frustrated and fatigued, questioning how they can make a meaningful impact.
In response, some have called for a broad boycott of companies such as Target and Walmart, while others encourage consumers to focus on purchasing products from brands that prioritize DEI. For instance, Tabitha Brown, a Black entrepreneur who operates an organic popcorn business sold at Target, has urged her customers not to engage in an outright boycott but rather to support Black-owned brands. This approach aims to send a clear message to retailers like Target that DEI policies are both popular and profitable.
While the future of DEI in national business remains uncertain, it is critical to persist in advocating for marginalized communities. Although it may often feel like progress is slow, with setbacks along the way, consumers should remain mindful. They hold a significant influence within a capitalist economy and continue to use their purchasing power to promote change.
