SpartanNash's Eco-Friendly Initiative: Building Accessibility Ramps for Veterans with Recycled Plastic
On Earth Day 2025, SpartanNash, a prominent food solutions company, launched its second annual initiative focusing on sustainability and community support by constructing accessibility ramps for veterans. Partnering with Trex, a leading eco-friendly decking company, and Home Repair Services, SpartanNash transformed recycled plastic grocery bags into essential ramps that enhance mobility for veterans.
The campaign, aptly named 'Bags to Boards,' is an impressive response to both environmental and social challenges. By reclaiming plastic bags from its stores—like those from Family Fare, Martin's Super Market, and DW Fresh Market—SpartanNash collected roughly 157,500 bags, which are then processed by Trex to create durable composite decking boards. This not only reduces waste that would otherwise end up in landfills but also serves a noble cause by providing safe access for veterans living in West Michigan.
The company’s commitment to sustainability aligns closely with its mission to prioritize community welfare. The Chief Communications Officer of SpartanNash, Adrienne Chance, emphasized the interconnectedness of their initiative: "By upcycling returned plastic bags into accessibility ramps for Veterans, we are giving the gift of mobility in a sustainable, eco-friendly way." This statement highlights the dual impact of the initiative, benefiting both environmental conservation and the well-being of those who have served in the military.
In a collaborative effort, SpartanNash associates participate as volunteers in constructing the ramps. Each ramp not only assists in improving the quality of life for veterans but also engages the local community in meaningful service activities. For instance, one such ramp built this year will assist a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, offering him a safer living environment.
Dave Heglas from Trex stated, "Sustainability is at the core of everything we do – and this project exemplifies how recycling can create real, tangible impact." His comments reflect the vision behind the partnership, showing how practical actions can yield significant benefits, transforming waste into valuable community resources.
The previous year saw SpartanNash successfully build ramps for five veterans and, encouraged by its success, the initiative aims to broaden its outreach. This year, they plan to expand the 'Bags to Boards' program beyond West Michigan, fostering similar projects in other communities within their operational footprint.
Since 2023, over 5,000 pounds of plastic bags have been repurposed through this program. This statistic alone showcases the considerable outreach and the impact of community-driven efforts regarding plastic recycling and veteran support. The entire project underscores SpartanNash's commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable practices.
About SpartanNash: With a workforce of approximately 20,000 associates, SpartanNash operates across various business segments, including food wholesale and retail. They distribute a range of products, from groceries to household items, servicing not just local communities but also national retailers and military outlets. Their dedication to a People First culture is evident in initiatives that not only prioritize environmental sustainability but also enhance the lives of individuals in need.
For more about SpartanNash and its ongoing recycling initiatives, the company's Corporate Responsibility Report provides additional insights into their sustainable practices. Transforming everyday waste into life-enhancing resources exemplifies how companies can effectively blend profitability with purpose.
The campaign, aptly named 'Bags to Boards,' is an impressive response to both environmental and social challenges. By reclaiming plastic bags from its stores—like those from Family Fare, Martin's Super Market, and DW Fresh Market—SpartanNash collected roughly 157,500 bags, which are then processed by Trex to create durable composite decking boards. This not only reduces waste that would otherwise end up in landfills but also serves a noble cause by providing safe access for veterans living in West Michigan.
The company’s commitment to sustainability aligns closely with its mission to prioritize community welfare. The Chief Communications Officer of SpartanNash, Adrienne Chance, emphasized the interconnectedness of their initiative: "By upcycling returned plastic bags into accessibility ramps for Veterans, we are giving the gift of mobility in a sustainable, eco-friendly way." This statement highlights the dual impact of the initiative, benefiting both environmental conservation and the well-being of those who have served in the military.
In a collaborative effort, SpartanNash associates participate as volunteers in constructing the ramps. Each ramp not only assists in improving the quality of life for veterans but also engages the local community in meaningful service activities. For instance, one such ramp built this year will assist a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, offering him a safer living environment.
Dave Heglas from Trex stated, "Sustainability is at the core of everything we do – and this project exemplifies how recycling can create real, tangible impact." His comments reflect the vision behind the partnership, showing how practical actions can yield significant benefits, transforming waste into valuable community resources.
The previous year saw SpartanNash successfully build ramps for five veterans and, encouraged by its success, the initiative aims to broaden its outreach. This year, they plan to expand the 'Bags to Boards' program beyond West Michigan, fostering similar projects in other communities within their operational footprint.
Since 2023, over 5,000 pounds of plastic bags have been repurposed through this program. This statistic alone showcases the considerable outreach and the impact of community-driven efforts regarding plastic recycling and veteran support. The entire project underscores SpartanNash's commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable practices.
About SpartanNash: With a workforce of approximately 20,000 associates, SpartanNash operates across various business segments, including food wholesale and retail. They distribute a range of products, from groceries to household items, servicing not just local communities but also national retailers and military outlets. Their dedication to a People First culture is evident in initiatives that not only prioritize environmental sustainability but also enhance the lives of individuals in need.
For more about SpartanNash and its ongoing recycling initiatives, the company's Corporate Responsibility Report provides additional insights into their sustainable practices. Transforming everyday waste into life-enhancing resources exemplifies how companies can effectively blend profitability with purpose.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.