We interviewed our Harvester and Grower sponsors to learn more about who they are and why they believe investing in a good food system is important. Thank you to all our sponsors of the Walk for Good Food for their investment in a good food system for all!
Please describe your company/organization’s mission and role in our community.
SpartanNash is a Fortune 400 grocery retailer and distributor. We own and operate D&W Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods, Family Fare and Ada Fresh Market supermarkets in West Michigan. Our vision is to have a best-in-class business that feels local, where relationships matter.
We are committed to being a great neighborhood partner in the communities we serve and align our corporate giving with four key strategic objectives – workforce development, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness and food insecurities/waste reduction
The SpartanNash Foundation granted more than $1.48 million in 2020 to provide hunger relief, secure shelter, and support for military families, including $250,000 for COVID hunger relief. SpartanNash donates more than 4.3 million pounds of food annually partnering with food banks and local food pantries.
Furthermore, as part of SpartanNash’s corporate responsibility initiatives, the company was the first major retailer to sign the Fair Food Pledge with Migrant Legal Aid to ensure fair and equitable treatment of Michigan’s seasonal workers. SpartanNash also was the first major retailer in Michigan to support the Double Up Food Bucks program to help low-income SNAP guests gain easier access to fruits and vegetables. The partnership provided $1.53 million in fresh produce for SNAP store guests last year.
How has COVID-19 impacted your organization?
SpartanNash is an essential business that operates 24/7 to ensure that Americans and U.S. military troops have uninterrupted access to food and necessary household goods. As a People First organization, we make many ongoing adjustments to our operations to ensure the safety and comfort of our Associates and guests throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have implemented numerous safety and sanitation procedures while working closely with health officials and government leaders to contain the spread of COVID and rapidly vaccinate our communities. With increased demand for products due to consumers spending more time at home, we have optimized our supply chain to maintain appropriate inventory levels for our customers and SpartanNash-owned grocery stores.
Please share with us why you decided to support the Walk for Good Food – In Your Neighborhood this year.
“SpartanNash is a People First organization that is proud to partner with the Walk for Good Food to enable easier access to nutrition for West Michigan families. The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented strains on our country, with many turning to food banks and pantries for help. By supporting Access and its network of food pantries in a way that promotes exercise and a healthy lifestyle, we can drive even greater community impact,” said Adrienne Chance, SpartanNash Foundation executive director and SpartanNash vice president of communications.