SpartanNash Raises $740,000 for Salvation Army

Following the transformational merger of Spartan Stores and the Nash Finch Company in November 2013, SpartanNash has expanded its 20 year partnership with the Salvation Army. This past holiday season the food distributor hosted bell ringers in its more than 160 corporate-owned stores operating in 10 states—raising over $740,000 thanks to its customers.  

Bell ringing started Friday, Nov. 13, and ran through Thursday, Dec. 24. Keeping with tradition, bell ringers were invited to come out of the cold and to ring inside stores.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign began in 1891 when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide free Christmas dinners to 1,000 of San Francisco’s poorest individuals. To fund his charity, he placed a pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street, next to a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He raised the money he needed, and six years later his idea had spread across the country, resulting in 150,000 donated Christmas dinners.

Today in the U.S., the Salvation Army helps more than four and a half million people during the holidays. Contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable them to continue year-round services, including hunger relief, housing and homeless shelters, Kroc centers, and veteran, elderly and adult rehabilitation services.

“SpartanNash has a longstanding tradition of enhancing the communities where we live, work and play,” says Meredith Gremel, vice president, corporate affairs and communications. “Partnerships like this are part of our corporate responsibility, and we are excited to have expanded our commitment throughout our retail markets. We can’t thank our customers enough for joining our associates in supporting the vital services provided by the Salvation Army. Together we are making a difference in our communities.”