Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash donated 24 pallets of food products to victims of atmospheric rivers and flooding in Southern California.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, products were distributed to California residents who are being forced into shelters because of flooding, power outages and landslides.
The donation, valued at more than $46,000, includes various essentials, including ready-to-eat breakfast foods, sweet snacks (fruit snacks and raisins), salty snacks (snack bars and crackers) and juice boxes. The food was dropped off in Fresno, California.
“The flooding and displacement of residents from their homes is devastating,” said Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash CEO.
“As a food solutions company, we are proud to provide essential supplies and comfort in times of uncertainty. We appreciate the American Red Cross for their collaboration, and we will continue to monitor the situation to see how we can support future efforts.”
Since the end of December, 12 atmospheric rivers have impacted California with a series of aftereffects, including flash floods, river floods, levee breaks and high levels of snowfall. This has led to power outages and homes and businesses being destroyed, displacing thousands of California residents. The American Red Cross has deployed more than 1,200 volunteers from across the country to help provide people with more than 12,000 overnight stays in shelters.
“California residents need our help recovering from these devastating and dangerous storms. We appreciate the generosity of SpartanNash and its dedication to helping us accomplish our goal of helping others in time of need,” said Ron Horvat, division VP of fundraising of the American Red Cross.
“All affected by this disaster should receive care and hope, and through this timely donation, we are able to do that.”
With a large distribution network, the company is equipped to provide aid when it is most needed. Recently, SpartanNash gave donations for Turkey–Syria earthquake survivors and completed $1 million in aid to Ukrainian refugees.
