SpartanNash has partnered with Home Repair Services and Trex Co. in honor of Earth Day, transforming plastic grocery bags recycled at company-operated stores into accessibility ramps for veterans in need.
“By upcycling returned plastic bags into accessibility ramps for veterans, we are giving the gift of mobility in a sustainable, eco-friendly way,” said SpartanNash Chief Communications Officer Adrienne Chance.
“It’s a ‘People First’ program that brings our store guests, associates, nonprofit partners and community together to serve.”
The most recent ramp – which was constructed by volunteers from SpartanNash – will provide a safer home to a West Michigan veteran who served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War era.
Each ramp requires about 157,500 recycled bags, which are collected year-round at SpartanNash-operated stores including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Market, D&W Fresh Market and Forest Hills Foods.
Trex, an eco-friendly decking company, turns the plastic bags – which include produce bags, cereal box liners and bubble wrap – into composite decking boards. SpartanNash employees then partner with Home Repair Services, a West-Michigan based organization providing income-based home repairs for those in need, to build the accessibility ramps.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do – and this project exemplifies how recycling can create real, tangible impact,” said Dave Heglas, senior director of recycled materials at Trex Co.
“By transforming everyday plastic waste into something as meaningful as accessible home ramps for veterans, we’re not just reducing landfill waste – we’re building pathways to better lives. We’re honored to be part of a collaboration that brings together environmental responsibility and community care in such a powerful way.”
In 2024, SpartanNash built accessibility ramps for five veterans in western Michigan. This year, the company will expand the “Bags to Boards” program to other communities in its footprint.
More than 5,000 pounds of plastic bags have been recycled at the company’s stores since 2023. More information regarding SpartanNash’s recycling initiatives can be found in SpartanNash’s Corporate Responsibility Report.
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