Living the dream
How do you like them apples?
More than 135 SpartanNash stores are now carrying American Dream® apples — and with each bag, SpartanNash is supporting the nonprofit organization Operation Homefront.
As a part of its Veterans Day celebrations — and year-round commitment to the nation’s military heroes — the Byron Center-based grocery chain and distributor signed a new partnership with CMI Orchards in which participating SpartanNash retail stores are carrying apple varieties included in CMI’s American Dream® program, and a portion of the proceeds from the apple sales will support service members, veterans and their families via Operation Homefront.
Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket, Family Fresh Market and other SpartanNash corporate-owned stores in eight states are participating by selling the brands Ambrosia Gold®, Kiku®, Kanzi®, Jazz™ and Envy™ apples.
SpartanNash also will introduce the American Dream® program — which so far has donated more than $40,000 to veterans’ organizations — to its independent retail customers this fall.
“Customers have a growing appetite for these new and popular apple varieties, and we can’t wait for our store guests to try them,” said Tom Swanson, senior vice president and general manager, SpartanNash corporate retail. “This is the type of partnership that means so much to us at SpartanNash because it allows us to support our troops and veterans while delivering what our store guests want when they want it.”
SpartanNash also planned to honor service members and veterans by offering an 11% Veterans Day discount on all eligible products on Nov. 10 and 11.
“SpartanNash is committed to serving our military heroes and their families, both at home and abroad, and this Veterans Day — and every day of the year — this is just one small way we can say ‘thank you for your service,’” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications. “Our military heroes make the American Dream possible — and we are proud to support them with this partnership.”
For 17 years, Operation Homefront has provided financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. About 92% of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.
SpartanNash also has partnered with Operation Homefront in the past, granting more than $205,000 to the organization through SpartanNash Foundation fundraising campaigns. In 2018, the SpartanNash Foundation also supported more than 40,000 military families, granting more than $400,000 to nonprofit partners such as Operation Homefront, Fisher House Foundation, Vetshouse and Warriors at Ease.
Article by Grand Rapids Business Journal