SpartanNash Lends Support To Student Career Education Program
SpartanNash has launched a partnership with the youth education nonprofit Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes (JAMGL) to support JA Finance Park, the organization's capstone program for financial planning and career exploration.
Officials with SpartanNash participated in a ribbon-cutting event outside of its new Family Fare experiential learning center.
"Financial independence and career exploration are two of the most important skills we can teach young people – and grocery is an essential industry with many admirable career paths across supply chain, retail, transportation and corporate job functions," said Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash CEO. "Our new partnership with JA of the Michigan Great Lakes aligns with SpartanNash's mission to deliver the ingredients for a better life, including the careers that make a better life possible."
At the Family Fare activation, students will have an immersive, real-life experience and choose from a wide range of careers, including cashier, supply chain forklift operator, corporate Associate and more. They will learn how to create a monthly budget based on their career and family scenario, then plan their grocery purchases in accordance with that budget. The activation also features an interactive 136-inch TV display for students to visualize different career paths, plus the opportunity to take a selfie that places them on the SpartanNash private label Our Family brand of Wheat Flakes cereal.
SpartanNash's five-year commitment to JAMGL will include ongoing financial support and Associate volunteer opportunities. This summer, the company raised more than $150,000 for JA through its back-to-school in-store fundraiser.
"We are thrilled to continue our journey with SpartanNash through this new partnership for our JA Finance Park Capstone program," said Bill Coderre, JAMGL President and CEO. "SpartanNash shares our passion to empower young individuals, and workforce development education is an important addition to the program. We believe in the power of helping students master financial independence while educating them about the various career paths available to live responsibly."
The storefront will open at the Karl & Susan Hascall JA Finance Park when classes begin in January 2024.
