KeHE Supports Inclusive Change with J.E.D.I Collaborative
Naperville, IL – September 15, 2020 – KeHE Distributors announced today that it has partnered with J.E.D.I Collaborative, an organization committed to breaking down systemic barriers to increase justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the natural products industry.
J.E.D.I Collaborative is a newly created initiative, that encourages members of the natural and organic food industry to focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in order to uplift and ensure those with marginalized identities in the industry feel they belong. Within an industry of innovators and leaders across the country, J.E.D.I Collaborative strives to provide tools that empower organizations and individuals to forge breakthroughs into new systems, products, and services to best meet the demands of customers in an increasingly multicultural America. The platform’s focus is on tools to transform your business in order to attract the best people, the best ideas, and the best way forward toward a more prosperous future.
By leaning into J.E.D.I’s three pillars of commitment- culture, consumer, and communities- KeHE has committed to fostering an uplifting working environment, reaching a broader market of consumers, and aiding its communities. The distributor has taken action through the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Council by acknowledging and honoring the contributions of all employees and driving awareness within the organization.
“We are extremely honored to join J.E.D.I Collaborative in its important mission to make our industry more inclusive and equitable,” said Gerard Nixon, Vice President of Supply Chain and President of the Diversity & Inclusion Council at KeHE. “We are leveraging the KeHE Civility Code where empathy, trust and equality are the foundations of how we expect our employees to act and aligning with J.E.D.I Collaborative is another step forward in making the changes that we desire to move the needle.”
KeHE has joined the initiative as one of J.E.D.I Collaborative’s “early adopters”. Other J.E.D.I early adopter companies include: Lily’s, Traditional Medicinal, Justin’s, Cappello’s, Beanfields, Lundberg Family Farms, Chosen Foods, EO Products, Davis Wright Tremaine, Gaia Herbs, Miyoko’s Creamery, Martinelli’s, Clover Sonoma, and All Good.
From a consumer lens, KeHE supports its partners through programs like DIVERSEtrade™. The program removes barriers of entry for women, minority, veteran, and LGBT certified brands while supporting KeHE’s retail partners in the discovery of products that reach a broader range of consumers.
To learn more about J.E.D.I Collaborative and to access the organization’s free resources, visit https://jedicollaborative.com/resources/
To learn more about J.E.D.I Collaborative’s tools and resources, visit jedicollaborative.com. Get involved by making a commitment!
About KeHE
With its nationwide distribution network, KeHE provides natural & organic, specialty & fresh products to chain and independent grocery and natural food stores and other specialty product retailers throughout North America. KeHE is an employee-owned, B Corporation certified, company with over 5,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada. Where KeHE Goes, Goodness Follows.® For more about KeHE, visit KeHE.com or check out our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedIn.