Grand Rapids, Mich.-based food solutions company SpartanNash is donating more than $1 million worth of critical food and supplies to Ukrainians amid the country's recent invasion and attacks by Russia.
The military division of SpartanNash is exporting the products through its global supply chain network and supplier relationships, and working with Convoy of Hope to get the necessities in the hands of refugees across eastern Europe, according to a news release.
The company's core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent and chain retailers, its corporate-owned retail stores, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges; as well as operating a fresh produce distribution network and the Our Family brand.
“This is a humanitarian disaster, and SpartanNash is uniquely positioned to support Ukrainians, in addition to the American military heroes who are serving on the front lines of this crisis,” SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam said in the release.
SpartanNash's military division distributes grocery products so military commissaries and exchanges can deliver a familiar shopping experience to servicemen and women with their favorite U.S. brands.
The company distributes products to 160 military commissaries and more than 400 exchanges in 39 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Djibouti, Korea and Japan.
“In any crisis situation, rapid response is vital, and we are glad to partner with SpartanNash to leverage its expertise in global food logistics,” Ethan Forhetz, vice president of public engagement for Convoy of Hope, said in the release. “Getting close to a warzone and responding during a crisis is no simple task. We rely on our disaster response experts and local volunteers to deliver hope to the impacted communities.”
In addition to product donations, SpartanNash is donating $25,000 to Convoy of Hope, which will provide 7,500 more meals to families in need.
On Feb. 26, the company also stopped buying and selling all Russian-produced vodka.
For more information or to donate to Convoy of Hope, visit convoyofhope.org.