Meijer donates 750K face masks to front-line workers, first responders

Meijer is providing first responders and front-line workers with the protection they require.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer announced its procurement and distribution of 750,000 KN95 face masks to those currently on the frontlines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Meijer also is working with COVID-19 emergency response teams and municipal health departments to centrally manage the distribution of the masks to healthcare workers and first responders both in the Midwest and in states where they are needed most, the company said.

Face masks will be distributed to government agencies, hospital systems, law enforcement agencies and other first responders in the communities the retailer serves, including Macomb and Oakland counties in Michigan, as well as the City of Detroit and the Michigan State Police.

“We've seen an incredible amount of strength and courage from Michiganders during this time of uncertainty, whether it's from communities donating food, money and resources to those that need it or from businesses using their technology to manufacture personal protective equipment,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “This action from Meijer will help us protect frontline workers and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. I'm proud to work with Meijer and every business that steps up during this time to protect Michigan families.”

Various other personal protective equipment, such as face masks, gloves and medications has also been procured by the retailer, and will be donated to additional COVID-19 emergency response teams, the company said.

“We are proud of our procurement team for helping us secure these much-needed masks and we continue to do our part in keeping our team members and the communities we serve safe during these challenging times,” Meijer president and chief executive officer, Rick Keyes said. “We're pleased to have this opportunity and continue to look for ways to help our team members, customers and communities navigate through this new normal.”