Origins:
SpartanNash's ongoing efforts in disaster relief demonstrate its commitment to helping communities recover and rebuild, ensuring that families have access to essential resources during times of crisis. In 2025, SpartanNash advanced this commitment by mobilizing over 800 Associates, vendors and nonprofit partners for its annual volunteer day, called Helping Hands Day. Held on April 15 at DeVos Place, volunteers packed 15,000 meal boxes (equivalent to 500,000 meals) and 5,000 hygiene kits, with an estimated retail value of $1.7 million, to help communities in crisis. Each box packed will feed a family of four for one week and will be distributed by nonprofit partner Convoy of Hope® to disaster-affected areas across the U.S. The event was a testament to the power of community and collaboration, as SpartanNash Associates, local college students and vendors came together to make a difference. In addition to the packed meals and hygiene kits, Convoy of Hope was presented with a check for $100,000 from the SpartanNash Foundation. This significant contribution underscores SpartanNash's dedication to supporting disaster relief efforts and providing essential resources to those in need. The combined efforts of Associates and the Foundation’s financial support highlight the company's commitment to making a positive impact in communities facing hardship. As Alysan Burgbacher, Disaster Services Volunteer Manager at Convoy of Hope, said – “These boxes aren’t just full of food, they’re full of hope.” The event not only provided immediate relief to those affected by disasters but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among volunteers.
Contribution:
Associates from SpartanNash; supplier partners from W.K. Kellogg Foundation®, Hormel®, Country Fresh® Dairy, Del Monte Foods™, Kellanova™, Quaker® and more; student volunteers from Calvin University; and nonprofit partners Convoy of Hope, Operation Homefront® and Folds of Honor® all packed 15 18-wheelers with meal boxes and hygiene kits. Their collective dedication was instrumental in ensuring that families in need received essential resources. Associates actively promoted the event, encouraging participation and highlighting the importance of supporting disaster-affected communities. The involvement of local school football teams and vendor partners further demonstrated the strength of community collaboration. This united effort underscores the power of teamwork and the significant impact that community support can have during times of crisis. The SpartanNash Foundation's additional $100,000 donation to Convoy of Hope further bolstered these efforts, providing crucial financial support to enhance disaster relief operations.
Objectives:
The primary objective of the program is to support disaster relief efforts by providing essential resources to communities in crisis. The initiative was to pack and distribute 500,000 meals and 5,000 hygiene kits to families affected by disasters across the U.S. By mobilizing volunteers and engaging Associates, vendors, and nonprofit partners, the program fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. Once these kits are packed and loaded onto Convoy of Hope's trucks, they are stored safely until a disaster occurs. When disaster strikes, Convoy of Hope's teams are prepared and ready to distribute the meal and hygiene kits to those in need.
Impact:
The consistent support from volunteers, Associates, and the Foundation has significantly addressed the immediate needs of communities affected by disasters. In 2024, Convoy of Hope responded to 53 disasters in the U.S., serving over 700,000 people by distributing more than 14 million pounds of food in 328 communities. SpartanNash's contributions have been instrumental in these efforts, helping families affected by Hurricanes Beryl and Helene, as well as supporting communities in the Carolinas during Thanksgiving. The program's success is measured by the number of meals and hygiene kits packed, the number of volunteers engaged, and the positive impact on disaster-affected families. This ongoing commitment highlights the power of community collaboration and the vital role of collective efforts in addressing urgent needs.
Quote:
"As a People First company, it's not just about food – it's about giving people hope when they need it most. Our mission is simple: to deliver the ingredients for a better life – and that means showing up when people need us most," said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam. "In a world where crises and natural disasters are growing more frequent, we're proud to ramp up our efforts and partner with our suppliers and Convoy of Hope to bring these meals to those who need them across the country."
Support Statement:
"SpartanNash's unwavering commitment and partnership in disaster relief has been so valuable for us," said Convoy of Hope Vice President, Public Engagement Ethan Forhetz. "Their support ensures that when disaster strikes, we can respond immediately, bringing hope, comfort and essential supplies to families in crisis."
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