Spartan Stores is a supporting and welcoming environment that emphasizes trust and openness while embracing diversity in its many forms; one where the unique contributions of each individual are valued, as well as the collective strength when we all come together. A mosaic of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, talents, and beliefs add value to our workplace, our stores and our lives.
Cultural diversity lives all around us. It opens our eyes and enriches our lives. It exists in different communities and households, from small suburbs to big cities. Our company has been enriched, strengthened and rewarded through our partnerships and involvement with various civic, charity and community organizations that also embrace diversity and inclusion, foster equality, and promote cultural and social differences.
- This past April, in conjunction with Diversity Awareness Month, Spartan Stores introduced its Diversity and Inclusion Council comprised of associates from various areas of the company. Spartan Stores is committed to promoting and upholding diversity and inclusion as a core characteristic of our workplace culture. We welcome opportunities to maximize diverse perspectives, talents, ideas and contributions from our associates. This group helps us reach our diversity goals which are to improve the quality of work life for our associates; enhance the shopping experience of our consumers; and, create an associate population that more closely reflects the communities we serve.
- Again this past summer, Spartan Stores participated in something very cool - placing 18 at-risk students in jobs at Family Fare and D&W Fresh Market as part of Project COOL (Christians Opening Opportunities for Learning). These summer jobs inspired students to become effective and productive employees. The program, sponsored by a Christian nonprofit, is perfectly aligned with Spartan’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A dedication was held in May at the Habitat for Humanity home for the Kuir family. Spartan Stores volunteers helped build the rehab home as part of our involvement with this outstanding organization. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, Habitat for Humanity homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials.
- It’s their determination and the smiles on the athletes’ faces that is so rewarding for Spartan Stores. Since 1985, our company has supported Special Olympics Michigan through monetary contributions and associate volunteering. We also feed the hundreds of volunteers during the State Summer Games competition each year. During our 27-year partnership, Spartan Stores has raised over $7.2 million for year-round athletic training and State Summer Games events.
- Spartan Stores has a long-standing relationship with the Salvation Army and assists with their disaster relief projects and charitable efforts during the holiday season. Our policy is to welcome Salvation Army bell ringers into the warmth of our stores as they collect donations. Also, during the holiday season, we sponsor the Salvation Army Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon in Grand Rapids. Since its beginning, we’ve also supported the Salvation Army Kroc Center which is open to West Michigan families and provides programs for individuals of all ages.
- Spartan Stores supports and shares in the commitment and mission of The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) - “To promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community through advocacy, education and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” By promoting health care parity or equality, GRAAHI will have an impact on the health disparities that currently exist for African Americans.
|