SpartanNash and its Customers Donate Over 1 Million Water Bottles to Flint, Mich.

In January, SpartanNash and the company’s Grand Rapids distribution center-based teamsters 406 each donated one semi-trailer load of Spartan brand water (3,360 cases) to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for distribution to Flint, Mich. households in need of safe drinking water. 

Following the donation, SpartanNash associates, store guests and independent retail customers statewide asked how they could help. Plans were quickly put into place to facilitate associate and community support, and beginning on Jan. 23, co-workers and customers were able to donate $2.99 (a 24-pack of Spartan brand water) that would be shipped as needed to Flint.  

Over 1 million bottles of water has been contributed for Flint families—that equals over 26 semi-loads of water. SpartanNash will be delivering the cases of water as needed.  

“The outpouring of support from our customers, communities, and co-workers has been tremendous,” says Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications. “So we are working with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and their longstanding neighborhood partners to deliver on demand.  Currently we are delivering in multiple smaller allotments so they can properly distribute. While there is great interest from communities to help right now, the need is long term and our ability to store and ship on demand is of great benefit to our community partners.”  

Gremel adds, “SpartanNash is most grateful to all those who have joined our efforts to deliver safe water to Flint. We can’t thank our co-workers, store guests and independent retail customers enough—together we are making a difference in our communities.”