Last updated on March 6th, 2024
FMI – The Food Industry Association launched Supermarket Employee Day on Feb. 22, 2021, to recognize the work supermarket employees do every day.
“Supermarket employees are the bedrock sustaining our communities in times of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster, a pandemic or other unforeseen challenges,” the association shared in a newsletter.
“They uphold the critical pipeline of food and consumer goods that sustains the health and well-being of their customers. The resilience and commitment of these essential workers become even more evident in times of extreme weather challenges or supply chain disruptions.
“The expansive nature of the workforce may be overlooked by many Americans who might perceive supermarket employees as predominantly cashiers and shelf-stockers. However, the composition of our nation’s supermarkets’ workforce is considerably more diverse. It encompasses online purchase fulfillment and delivery experts, data analytics/data technologists, chefs, butchers, fish mongers, pharmacists, registered dietitians/nutritionists and numerous other roles.”
Grocers across the country are observing Supermarket Employee Day in various ways.
Brookshire Grocery Co.
BGC is participating in a social media campaign all week, spotlighting workers across their Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, FRESH, Spring Market and Reasor’s stores.
“Supermarket Employee Day is truly a day to celebrate. I’m incredibly grateful to FMI and the work that went into ensuring Supermarket Employee Day would become a nationally recognized holiday,” said Brad Brookshire, CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co. and recent FMI Executive Leadership Award recipient.
“This is a day to honor the hard-working individuals who proudly serve their communities through the grocery industry. Thank you all for your commitment and dedication.”
Fareway
Fareway also is holding a social media campaign to spotlight employees across its company. So far, the company has highlighted its trucking, meat, warehouse, grocery and bakery departments.
In one post, the grocer shared information about its 9,597 grocery and 205 bakery employees.
“From the moment new team members join, they are greeted by seasoned veterans, creating a supportive and collaborative environment,” the company shared on LinkedIn.
“Whether it’s restocking shelves with lightning speed, ensuring carts and checkout stands are clean, firing up the ovens for baked goods, or presenting the day’s freshest produce, their dedication and passion shine through every interaction.”
In addition, Fareway is offering employees a 10 percent discount this week.
Food Lion
The company provided $1 million meals to Feeding America on behalf of its 82,000 employees. The donation consists of 350,000 meals donated in 2024 while the remaining 650,000 meals were donated from 2021-23.
“Every day, our associates across Food Lion’s 10-state footprint engage with our efforts to address food insecurity, because our neighbors and their families count on us to nourish them and set them up for success,” said Meg Ham, president.
“Our meal donation aligns with our commitment to nourish our neighbors experiencing hunger and applauds our associates and their ongoing support of Food Lion Feeds. We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries. This donation is another way to say ‘thank you’ to our associates and demonstrate care for the towns and cities we serve.”
Price Rite Marketplace
The grocer recognized employees from all 49 stores and were provided a complimentary lunch as well as letters of thanks from the company’s leadership team.
“Our team members are committed to providing customers with unmatched service, and we are so thankful for the work they do each day in our stores and in our communities,” said Kevin McDonnell, president of Price Rite Marketplace. “I am proud to recognize and honor each and every Price Rite employee on Supermarket Employee Day.”
Southeastern Grocers
SEG employees will receive a 20 percent back rewards offer on grocery purchases. In addition, all Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores are holding celebrations to recognize and celebrate their associates.
SEG offers many benefits for its employees, including 401(k) matching, associate discounts, quarterly bonuses and health benefits, including medical, dental and vision. It also offers training programs, scholarship opportunities and GED completion programs.
In addition, SEG also promotes work-life balance with paid time off, holidays and parental leave, as well as a casual dress code, flexible work schedule and culture of belonging, inclusion and social responsibility.
Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets is celebrating Supermarket Employee Appreciation Day by recognizing those who have worked with the grocer for an extended period of time.
“The resilience demonstrated by the Tops team in the face of adversities, be it a winter storm or a global pandemic, continues to leave us profoundly impressed,” said Ron Ferri, president.
In 2023, the grocer recognized 252 employees who had reached 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45- and 50-year anniversaries, for a total of 8,235 years of service.
“There is nothing that quite says dedication more than a room full of associates who have called Tops their family for over a quarter a century,” Ferri said.
Read more corporate chains store and independent store news from The Shelby Report.
