HORSHAM, PA — This week, Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) announced a new initiative to combat racial equity and injustice and create lasting change. As part of that effort, BBU, a member of the Grupo Bimbo family of companies, has committed $1 million to national and local organizations dedicated to furthering the education, financial well-being and health of black and minority Americans. In addition, the company formed a Racial Equity Action Council and appointed Nikki Lang as its first head of diversity, equity and belonging.
“Last year, the US experienced a reckoning moment with racial equity and injustice,” said Fred Penny, president of Bimbo Bakeries USA. “BBU acknowledged our responsibility to do more within our organization and our communities. We have taken the last nine months to engage and learn from our diverse associates and thoughtfully consider how we could have the broadest impact.”
Penny said the company’s efforts have been focused on strengthening the culture of the organization by improving representation and retention of diverse associates, promoting racial appreciation and confronting explicit and implicit bias.
BBU’s $1 million commitment includes $500,000 dedicated to United Negro College Fund ( UNCF), America’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Since it was founded, UNCF has empowered more than 500,000 students to earn college degrees. Through the partnership, BBU will provide scholarships, create an internship program and participate in the UNCF Student Leadership Conference.