At Meijer, we invest in the communities we serve in multiple ways, from community partnerships with local sports teams and donations to food pantries, to volunteering to help local organizations complete community projects. Inside our stores, our teams are also creating partnerships and providing employment opportunities for all members of our communities.
For more than 20 years, Meijer has partnered with Peckham, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. Over the past two decades, the partnership has expanded to include workforce training, employment opportunities, and local sourcing.
Peckham works with our teams to connect individuals with work experience opportunities across retail logistics, warehousing, and leadership roles. At a recent mock interview event, 25 candidates came together to practice and strengthen their interviewing skills with representatives from eight employer partners, including Meijer.
Experiences like these help participants develop workplace skills, earn income, and explore long-term career opportunities in our stores and in the communities we serve. This year, six Lansing-area Meijer store leaders participated in the program as mentors, working directly with candidates throughout the program.
“Our partnership with Peckham is a powerful example of how investing in people strengthens our communities,” said Rachel Collins, Mason store director for Meijer. “By creating opportunities like these, we’re helping build a stronger workforce while bringing unique perspectives and skills to our team.”
The partnership also extends beyond retail through Revolution Farms by Peckham, a local hydroponic greenhouse that supplies fresh lettuce to Meijer stores across Michigan. While customers enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, the partnership is also creating opportunities for individuals to gain valuable work experience and build skills for future careers. It’s an example of how a simple purchase can support both local agriculture and meaningful employment opportunities in our communities.
The partnership has also played an important role in early workforce development. During summer 2025, Meijer stores supported work experiences for 35 high school students in local school districts around Lansing. These experiences introduced students to workplace expectations while helping them develop skills and confidence. This summer, the program continues with students currently learning job skills, earning wages, and building independence through meaningful work.
“Through partnerships like this one with Meijer, individuals gain valuable experience, young people are exposed to future career opportunities, and communities benefit from a stronger, more engaged workforce,” said Calley Green, vocational services manager at Peckham. “Companies like Meijer who invest in young people today help build a brighter future for all.”