SpartanNash and customers donate Spartan brand water for Flint families

In January, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based 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. In doing so, a wave-like effect of positive action ensued as the magnitude of the lead contamination water crisis unfolded, SpartanNash said.

The company's 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) to be shipped as needed to Flint, SpartanNash said. As of Feb. 9, more than a million bottles of water have been contributed to Flint families – the equivalent of more than 26 semi-loads of water!.

SpartanNash said it will be delivering the cases of private brand water as needed.

“The outpouring of support from our customers, communities and co-workers has been tremendous,” noted 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."