Albertsons and Coca-Cola Announce 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration

BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In honor of Black History Month, Albertson's, Inc. and Coca-Cola are teaming up to make donations to African American non-profit organizations nationwide. This year, Albertsons and Coke have pledged to contribute $125,000 to organizations with ties to African American communities.

The companies have collaborated on Black History Month programs since 2002. This year's donation will be accompanied by special in-store messaging commemorating Black History Month throughout the month of February.

"At Albertsons we believe it is important to celebrate the cultural pride and diverse contributions that make America unique during Black History Month and throughout the year," said Larry Johnston, chairman, CEO and president of Albertsons. "We are thrilled that once again this year, in partnership with Coca-Cola, we will be able to provide important funding for local programs that are committed to honoring the accomplishments of African Americans and contribute to the advancement of African Americans in our communities."

The Albertsons/Coca-Cola partnership, now in its fifth year, has resulted in donations of more than $100,000 each year to organizations with ties to the African American community. Organizations benefiting from this year's donations include:

* DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago * Men of Tomorrow, Milwaukee * National Cowboys of Color Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth * The Greenwood Cultural Center, Tulsa * Crestworth Elementary School, Baton Rouge * Idaho Black History Museum, Boise * Black History Committee, Black History Month Celebration, Orlando * NAACP Chapters of Fresno, San Jose, Hayward, CA * Educating Young Minds, Los Angeles * NAACP Scholarships, PA, DE, NJ * Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, Kansas City * Culinary Arts Program at Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT

"Coca-Cola is proud to partner once again with Albertsons to honor these organizations that are devoted to the preservation and dissemination of African American history," said Diane Wallace, a customer marketing executive with Coca-Cola North America. "Our Black History Month program contributes to this legacy by recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of leaders in African American communities nationwide."

Albertsons is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers. The company's divisions and subsidiaries operate approximately 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. and employ approximately 240,000 associates. Its banners include Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, and Star Market, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently.