Our Commitment to Education
Being a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor in the communities in which we operate has been a part of the Winn-Dixie philosophy and commitment since the beginning in 1925.
The following are just a few of the countless ways in which Winn-Dixie and its associates strive to make a difference in today's youth:
DECA and Winn-Dixie, A Winning Combination
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The Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) is one of America's best-recognized and most effective national student associations with membership of more than 185,000 in high schools and colleges. DECA and Winn-Dixie have been working together for 43 years to further the philosophy and principles of free enterprise. In fact, Winn-Dixie has been represented on DECA's Board continuously for most of its existaence and sponsors scholarships for three food marketing event competitions annually. Winn-Dixie is proud to be associated with DECA and the more than 5,000 DECA high school and college students our Company employs. To no one's surprise, there are former DECA student/associates on our management team, from the retail stores to vice president. Many of our associates have had the DECA experience, which is valuable to both our Company and the associate.
The majority of stores work with their local high schools in the placement of work/study students through marketing programs like DECA, preparing young people for careers or personal development.
How Does DECA Work? In school, DECA students take business classes and learn about the free enterprise philosophy while working with an employer. The students' teacher/coordinator serves as coach and counselor. The students study the principles of business in the classroom while they learn the culture, work ethic, and practical applications of the business world through their employer. Their grades are determined by both their classroom and work performance. This is what makes the program successful.
Winn-Dixie looks forward to continuing the positive partnership with DECA. Our thanks to the DECA teachers/coordinators in each high school and college nationwide who work with us in placing tomorrow's future business leaders in our Winn-Dixie stores. Our Store Managers consistently utilize their "DECA CONNECTION" to obtain qualified candidates who are business oriented. Winn-Dixie and DECA, "A WINNING COMBINATION."
For more information on DECA, please visit them at http://www.deca.org/.
Scholarships
Each year, Winn-Dixie awards college scholarships to qualified associates and their dependents to further their education. Currently, there are over 400 students on Winn-Dixie scholarships.
National Program Support
Winn-Dixie takes an active support role in 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs.