City of Grand Rapids Water Donation

Origins:

In March 2024, Grand Rapids, Mich., faced a significant water main break affecting over 20,000 residents. This led to the largest boil water advisory in 15 years. Recognizing the urgent need for clean drinking water, SpartanNash quickly mobilized to help the community – a testament to its dedication to supporting local communities and to immediate crisis response.

In close partnership with the City of Grand Rapids and local emergency services, SpartanNash donated six truckloads of Our Family® bottled water, totaling 9,000 cases. This ensured each vehicle of people who came to the donation site received one case of bottled water, directly addressing the community's immediate need. The distribution was conducted efficiently, with SpartanNash Associates playing a critical role in the logistics and hands-on distribution.

This initiative met both an urgent community need and reinforced SpartanNash’s role as a dedicated community partner. The positive impact was widely recognized by residents and local officials, including Emergency Management Administrator Allison Farole and Deputy Chief of Police Joe Trigg, who praised SpartanNash's rapid and effective response.

Contribution:

In response to the Grand Rapids water crisis in March 2024, SpartanNash quickly donated six truckloads of Our Family® bottled water to impacted residents, totaling 9,000 cases, directly addressing the immediate needs of over 20,000 local community members. 

This rapid deployment was executed in close collaboration with local authorities, and with the active participation of SpartanNash Associates; these employees managed logistics and distribution, ensuring a collaboration that ensured each affected household received this vital resource. Community engagement was increased via engagement and amplification on our social media platforms, an effort that helped increase awareness and drove participation among local residents.  

The initiative is but one example of SpartanNash’s commitment to community support, and strengthened the company’s perception as an organization that leverages company resources to provide critical aid quickly and efficiently as part of our deep-rooted connection to the communities we serve.

Objectives:

The primary objective of SpartanNash's response to the Grand Rapids water crisis was to provide immediate, essential aid to over 20,000 residents affected by the largest boil water advisory in 15 years. 

An additional objective was to facilitate the speedy and efficient distribution of 9,000 cases of bottled water, to ensure each affected household received necessary supplies to manage the emergency. Further, the program aimed to engage both SpartanNash Associates and the local community in a collaborative effort, to drive a sense of community solidarity and preparedness for future crises. 

Finally, SpartanNash aimed not only to address the immediate practical needs but to deepen its ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting the communities where customers and Associates live and work, while strengthening our partnership with local authorities and community organizations.

Impact:

SpartanNash's rapid response to the Grand Rapids water crisis was a resounding success, providing immediate relief to impacted residents. The success of the effort is evident via several metrics.  

First, SpartanNash excelled in timely logistics and distribution. By first donating and delivering six truckloads of Our Family® bottled water, totaling 9,000 cases, and coordinating with the City of Grand Rapids and local emergency services, the company ensured each vehicle received one case of water. This was significant in promptly addressing the immediate need for clean drinking water.

Second, the program received significant community engagement. This included numerous positive testimonials from residents and public officials, including Emergency Management Administrator Allison Farole and Deputy Chief of Police Joe Trigg, who praised SpartanNash’s swift action and effective coordination, and the significant relief provided to the community. Exact testimonials include: 

“I want to personally thank you and the SpartanNash team for partnering with the City of Grand Rapids on distributing water to the community.” - Allison Farole

“Thanks for sharing and thank you and SpartanNash for stepping up during the time of crisis. So many people are very appreciative.” - Joe Trigg

The initiative also garnered extensive media coverage, driving awareness and increasing community engagement. The effort was featured in over 35 stories, with an estimated audience of 665 million, including national coverage. 

Additionally, SpartanNash Associates played a pivotal role in handling logistics and engaging with residents. Feedback on this effort from Associates was overwhelmingly positive, expressing pride in the program’s success.

Quote:

"From our Associates, who exemplified our People First culture through their compassion and dedication, to the passionate engagement of the community, this initiative spotlights SpartanNash's role as a community leader and unifier. We have been and will continue to be ready to support, uplift and serve our local communities in times of crisis," said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam.

Support Statement:

“It was truly an honor to interact with every single SpartanNash employee. You must love going to work and being around those awesome people.” Keith Borreson, Grand Rapids Fire Department