January 2026’s historic Winter Storm Fern swept across the Midwest with unrelenting force, dropping more than a foot of snow in many areas that don’t normally see winter pack such a punch – shutting down roads, stalling communities, and halting daily life.
But while much of the region was brought to a standstill, Meijer team members showed what it truly means to support our customers and each other when it matters most. In several communities, we were the only store open – a testament to the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and grit of our teams.
From Indiana to Ohio to Kentucky, team members braved impassable roads, subzero wind chills, and near-whiteout conditions to ensure their neighbors had access to essentials.
In Huber Heights, Ohio, Mark, a meat cutter, was the only member of his department able to make it into work. When Johnny, another team member, was leaving for the day, he noticed Mark’s headlights were still on, causing his battery to die. Johnny not only let Mark know, he offered to help get Mark’s car started in subzero temperatures so he could make it home.
“This is the type of teamwork and care for each other that makes Meijer and our team members so amazing!” said Store Director Lori Haley.
In Troy, Ohio, Store Director, Kevin Kragenbrink expressed his overwhelming thanks for several members of his team. During the largest snowstorm in the area’s history, leaders from produce, deli, bakery, grocery, express, service, and overnight stocking all made it in to keep the store open. Some covered manager duties. Others picked up cross-functional work without being asked.
“I am very proud of my team and appreciate all that they did to keep our store open for the Troy community during this weather event,” Kevin said.
Our Tipp City distribution team showcased remarkable dedication during the storm, working tirelessly to keep stores stocked for customers. They not only added extra shifts and extended recovery efforts, but also managed numerous rush orders to support the stores. Their commitment and adaptability ensured that essential products reached our stores despite the challenging conditions.
Throughout this challenging period, our logistics teams also demonstrated remarkable adaptability and partnership. As Winter Storm Fern approached, Meijer Outbound Logistics relied on vital assistance from dedicated inbound carrier partners, including Van Kampen, Van Eerden, Serv U, USA Truck, and X Treme.
Safety was prioritized as many carriers made the difficult decision to remove trucks from the hardest-hit roads, ensuring the wellbeing of their drivers and communities. Despite these hurdles, Ruan, a contract transportation service, stepped up to deliver a donation from Tipp City, Ohio to Gym Town Food Bank in Elkhart, Ind., while Meijer Outbound Logistics successfully completed a delivery to Gleaners Community Foodbank in Detroit, Mich.
Simultaneously, Meijer Inbound Logistics collaborated closely with multiple vendors to ensure product integrity against the extreme cold. By quickly leveraging carriers with available refrigerated trailers, we supported vendors like Campbells, Delmonte, and Bay Valley Foods. The severe weather also prompted a need for surge capacity, and our team was able to secure additional support from local carriers—ensuring uninterrupted service to our stores throughout the week.
These stories from across our stores and logistics operations are powerful reminders of our unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. In the face of adversity, our team members consistently go above and beyond—demonstrating compassion, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of responsibility. We are proud to be a part of each neighborhood and grateful for the dedication of our teams, who embody the true spirit of community every day.