GRAND RAPIDS, MI - ’Tis the season of giving, and consumers aren’t the only ones getting in the spirit. Retailers and growers alike are forming strategic partnerships as a way to give back to their communities. SpartanNash and CMI Orchards are doing just that—partnering up to support military service members, veterans, and their families. Working with CMI Orchards, more than 135 SpartanNash retail stores will carry the American Dream® apples, with a portion of proceeds slotted to benefit American heroes.
“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 of Corporate Retail. “On top of that, each purchase supports Operation Homefront and our nation’s heroes. 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—fast and friendly.”
According to a press release, SpartanNash is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries around the world and sees firsthand the sacrifices that military families make to protect our freedoms. Therefore, the company is committed to raising awareness and vital resources year-round for those who served or continue to do so. With every bag of American Dream apples, SpartanNash is proud to support the national nonprofit organization Operation Homefront and its mission to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
Store guests at SpartanNash’s corporate-owned stores in eight states can choose from some of the top branded apples from CMI, including Ambrosia Gold®, Kiku®, Kanzi®, Jazz™, and Envy™. Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket, Family Fresh Market, and other SpartanNash stores will carry the five varieties of apples. The American Dream program, developed by CMI Orchards, has donated more than $40,000 to veterans organizations to date.
“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."
In addition to the American Dream apples, which will be in stores on November 10, SpartanNash will honor current servicemembers and veterans of the Armed Forces by offering an 11 percent Veterans Day discount on all eligible products. The 11 percent discount will be offered Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11. All active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans who present proper identification at any SpartanNash company-owned store on November 10 or 11 will receive this discount.
For 17 years, Operation Homefront has provided critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.
SpartanNash 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.
Hats off to SpartanNash and CMI Orchards on this generous partnership. For more of the latest news in produce and retail, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
