Download the FMI Violence Preparedness Committee Policy Statement
Issue: The FMI Executive Committee held a call this past May and recommended that a Board-level Committee be created to address crisis preparedness, most notably the devasting, intentional acts of violence in the food industry and the sharp increase in active shooter incidents at food stores and company facilities. This new Committee met in August to evaluate member survey results to forge this new community and deliver on a proposed mission statement.
Recommendation: The FMI Executive Committee recommends the following new Committee at FMI to better prepare for, and react to, acts of violence in our industry:
FMI Committee Name & Mission Statement Policy Consideration
FMI Violence Preparedness Committee
The FMI Violence Preparedness Committee comes together in a non-competitive environment to share information and best practices; review external and internal stakeholder communications plans; recommend the development of training tools; and promote the advancement of new resources and technologies that support safety and security and reduce the risk of violence anywhere employees are interacting with each other; any situation in the food industry where customers are interacting with each other; and any situation where food industry employees and customers interact.
The Committee recognizes the importance of supporting mental well-being of associates and communities via targeted resources to prepare for, and react to, acts of violence.
The Committee will work alongside the board-level FMI Communications and the FMI Public Affairs Committees to recommend relevant and related strategies.
FMI and this Board-level committee will commit to supporting a multifaceted approach to keeping employees and shoppers safe from intentional acts of violence.