GRAND RAPIDS, MI - During these times, it’s heartwarming to hear of big businesses showing their appreciation for associates, especially when that appreciation comes in the form of supporting local operations. Meijer kicked off a “Buy Local” meal program to show appreciation of its frontline team members while supporting local restaurants during these unprecedented times.
“Our teams are working hard every day to ensure our stores are clean and fully stocked so our customers can find what they need for their families,” President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Keyes said. “This initiative is just one of the ways we are trying to show them just how much we appreciate their dedication, while also providing an opportunity to support important small businesses in the communities we serve.”
According to the press release, each of the retailer’s 248 supercenters, grocery stores, and distribution facilities began partnering with local, independent restaurants in their respective communities to purchase meals for team members.
“All of us at Meijer are proud to serve our communities and we will continue to work through these challenging times together,” Keyes reflected.
The community-focused initiative will continue for the next few weeks. The Meijer in West Chester, Ohio, chose Roc-a-Fellas for its first team member meals after learning that the restaurant fed 16 families in need, while the Lansing Distribution Center purchased more than 1,900 turkey and ham sub sandwiches from family-owned Tony M’s.
The Buy Local meal program has already boosted morale across the Midwest.
“Our hearts are SO FULL,” wrote Louie Angelo’s, a restaurant near Elgin, Illinois, on its Facebook page. “THANK YOU @meijer for supporting Louie Angelo’s during these difficult times!! Your commitment to small, local businesses like ours makes an enormous impact. We feel so honored to provide meals to all your selfless, hardworking employees!”
For the latest on the unifying efforts in the retail sector during these challenging times, keep checking back to ANUK.
