Responsible Labor Initiative is a global coalition focused on protecting workers' rights in  supply chains

SALISBURY, N.C. – Ahold Delhaize USA today announced that it has joined the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI), a multi-industry, multi-stakeholder coalition focused on addressing and remediating human rights issues in a variety of supply chains.

Ahold Delhaize USA will join the RLI as an active member of the Food and Beverage Workgroup, which focuses on shared human rights risks across food and beverage supply chains. The RLI provides a forum for like-minded organizations to leverage the collective action of the industry and work together on critical issues, including supply chain mapping, best practice sharing and collaborative program development.

Through its membership, Ahold Delhaize USA will have access to industry-leading tools, resources and collaborative opportunities to address complex labor challenges, including grievance mechanisms, risk assessment tools, standards, audit programs and public policy/advocacy support.

"Responsible labor practices are fundamental to building sustainable, resilient and transparent supply chains," said Mark Eastham, Sustainable Products Manager for Ahold Delhaize USA. "By joining the RLI, we're working to enhance our ability to identify risks, collaborate with peers and support the safe and fair treatment of workers across our supply chain. We believe that every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we look forward to collaborating with other organizations to help drive meaningful, lasting change across the industry."

Launched in 2017 and operating under the Responsible Business Alliance, the RLI brings together companies and other partners to share best practices and develop practical solutions to labor issues in global supply chains. Its membership includes organizations from multiple industries, including consumer goods, retail and food and beverage.

"The RLI is pleased to welcome Ahold Delhaize USA as a member and looks forward to working with its team on important issues facing the industry's supply chains," said Carlos Busquets, Executive Director of the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI).

For more information about the Responsible Labor Initiative, visit www.responsiblelabor.org.

About Ahold Delhaize USA  

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands: Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. When considered together, the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest in the nation, serving 26 million omnichannel customers each week. For more information, visit www.adusa.com.  

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