<p>By: Morgan Griffin, Manager, Communications, FMI<a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/supermarket-employee-day"></a></p><p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/sed-blog-wrap-up-2025.tmb-large-350-.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=2483ca25_1" style="float:right;margin:10px;" alt="SED Blog Wrap Up 2025 Thanks" class="-align-right" sf-size="361049" /><a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/supermarket-employee-day">Supermarket Employee Day</a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">, observed annually on February 22, is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the essential workers that play a vital role in feeding families and enriching communities. In 2025, grocers and manufacturers across the United States – and world – embraced the opportunity to recognize their employees with meaningful celebrations and gestures of gratitude. Here are five standout ways the industry celebrated:</span></p><h5>1. Spreading Gratitude on Social Media </h5><p>Companies across the food industry joined the celebration on LinkedIn and other social platforms to express their appreciation for supermarket employees. Organizations like Blanc Display Group, Birdzi Inc., Chicken of the Sea, Zero Zone, Zego LLC and FlashFood shared heartfelt messages, while FMI retail members—including Hy-Vee, Inc., SPAR International, Topco Associates LLC and Ahold Delhaize USA—joined in with their own notes of thanks. More than1,000 posts across multiple platforms mentioned the celebration! <br /></p><h5>2. Extending the Party </h5><p>Some companies went beyond a single-day celebration, ensuring employees felt appreciated all month long:</p><ul><li>Heritage Grocers Group<strong> </strong>designated February as Team Member Appreciation Month. Employees enjoyed increased discounts on purchases, and the company spotlighted staff on social media.</li><li>Schnucks Markets hosted a weeklong appreciation event, rewarding employees with 5,000 Schnucks Rewards points ($10 equivalent) and exclusive digital coupons. The celebration also featured themed dress-up days, raffles, and in-store events to foster camaraderie and recognition.<br /></li></ul><h5>3. In Store Appreciation & Customer Engagement </h5><p>Retailers found creative ways to engage customers in celebrating their employees:</p><ul><li>ShopRite encouraged shoppers to leave handwritten notes at Customer Compliment tables, offering a direct way to share gratitude. Special storewide announcements and shout-outs throughout the day further recognized employee contributions.</li><li>UNFI GreenTree held daily drawings for employees to win gift baskets or Visa gift cards. They also provided every employee with a $10 credit for lunch or snacks and stocked break rooms with drinks and treats to ensure a week filled with appreciation.<br /></li></ul><h5>4. Official Recognition Through State <a id="_anchor_1" href="https://fmiva-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mgriffin_fmi_org/Documents/Documents/Comms/Blogs/Supermarket%20Employee%20Day%202025%20Celebrations.docx#_msocom_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1"></a>Proclamations </h5><p>In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz officially proclaimed February 22 as Supermarket Employee Day, reinforcing the importance of grocery workers. Retailers in the state encouraged customers to share positive experiences, while many stores offered complimentary snacks and drinks to employees. Other states, including Alabama and Wisconsin, also joined in on the celebration, also offering state proclamations for the holiday. <br /></p><h5>5. Charitable Donations </h5><p>Food Lion took appreciation to the next level by donating 250,000 meals to Feeding America on behalf of its 82,000 employees, exceeding three meals per associate. This initiative not only celebrated employees but also reflected the broader impact grocery workers have in fighting food insecurity.<br /></p><p>From social media campaigns to extended celebrations and charitable giving, this year’s Supermarket Employee Day was a powerful reminder of the essential role supermarket employees play in our communities. Thank you to all the dedicated workers who help keep our shelves stocked and our families nourished.</p><div><div><div id="_com_1" language="JavaScript"><p> </p></div></div></div>
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