Food is so central to human interactions that we frequently speak of social experiences using a food–related vocabulary. Dinner date, family meal, business lunch, neighborhood barbeque and holiday feast, all describe occasions where food is the framework providing the possibility of human connection.
The supermarket industry believes in the strong link between food and community. Your local grocery store provides your community with more than your favorite foods, it enhances the connections in your neighborhood. Through activities such as educational nutrition programs, sponsoring local sports teams, employee volunteer opportunities and support of fundraising efforts for local and national non-profit organizations, your neighborhood supermarket keeps the bond between food and community strong. Contact your local store manager to find out the many ways your grocery store is strengthening your community.
Through the following awards, FMI recognizes the community building efforts of industry leaders and highlight the oft-unheralded contributions supermarkets make to their communities:
- FMI AWARDS
- William H. Albers Industry Relations Award
For excellence in trading partner relations and consumer and community service. A supermarket pioneer, Mr. Albers served as the first chairman of the Board of Directors of the Super Market Institute, one of FMI's predecessor associations, from 1937-1944. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Herbert Hoover Award
For humanitarian service in the food industry. The award was established in 1961 in honor of Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States, inspired by humanitarian campaigns he led working with the food industry. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Donald H. MacManus Association Executive Award
For extraordinary leadership in public affairs, industry relations and community relations. Mr. MacManus served the industry for many years as executive director of the Rocky Mountain Food Dealers Association and as FMI's Western Region director. Was also a leader in the Colorado State Senate, rising to the position of Democratic whip. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Maximizing People Potential or MAXX Award
For an exceptional human resources or training program that significantly enhances employee performance or leads to the accomplishment of a key business goal. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award
For a lifetime of vision, integrity and caring sensitivity to the needs of retail food customers. Ms. Peterson served as special assistant for consumer affairs under U.S. Presidents Johnson and Carter and pioneered the role for the food industry as vice president for consumer affairs at Giant Food Inc. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Sidney R. Rabb Award
For excellence in serving the consumer, the community and the industry. As a long-time industry leader and chief executive of The Stop and Shop Supermarket Company, Mr. Rabb was a role model for statesmanship and community service, recognizing the industry's higher purpose in serving society. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Store Manager Award Grand Prize Winners
For exceptional service to customers, employees and the community using innovative initiatives that contribute to company success. Managers are honored in three categories based on company size. Click here to view recipients of this award. - Glen P. Woodard, Jr., Public Affairs Award
For compelling advocacy of public policies on behalf of the industry in Washington, DC, and state capitals. Mr. Woodard set the standard for excellence in government affairs advocacy on behalf of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., and the Food Marketing Institute. Click here to view recipients of this award.
- Make A Difference Day
FMI and FMI Members encourage participation in volunteerism efforts. One way to do so is through participation in Make A Difference Day.
Millions of Americans help others on USA WEEKEND's Make A Difference Day, the nation's largest day of volunteering, held each year on the fourth Saturday of October.
Click here to download information about Make A Difference Day.
- Food Day 2011 - October 24, 2011
Food Day is aimed at promoting delicious, healthy, affordable foods produced in a
sustainable, humane way. In other words, Food Day will promote the sales and
consumption of healthier foods—something that should benefit many companies. The
produce industry, supermarkets, foodservice operations, and many manufacturers should
be able to take advantage of the opportunity that this national event provides. In
response, to the food industry executives who have asked what they and their companies
could do to promote Food Day—and their products—we offer the following suggestions.
Please contact the national Food Day office to discuss other possibilities.
For more details about Food Day 2011, click on the links below:
The FMI staff sponsors the "FMI Express Lane Team" in the