After moving to Michigan in 2005, it didn’t take long to figure out that Meijer was a big name here and that it was a good company. I could feel it in the way I was greeted by Meijer employees, in the store signage and messaging on Meijer-brand products, when visiting Grand Rapids and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and when biking the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail. I didn’t know anything about the company’s history or its co-founders Hendrik and Fred Meijer until just recently when I read the book FRED MEIJER - STORIES OF HIS LIFE. (Note: there is no option for italicizing in these updates.) It was immediately clear why I had developed an appreciation for Meijer over the years as on the very first page and countless times throughout the book there is reference to Fred Meijer’s belief that “who people are and what they can do - their inherent worth and dignity – are what counts.” Fred Meijer not only believed it, but he lived it by treating others with dignity and respect. It is evidenced throughout the book in story after story of his generosity and respect towards employees, customers, and the community. So now I understand where Meijer’s core values originated – “We believe in treating each other with dignity and respect. We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve.” Reading this book has not only strengthened my belief in Meijer as a good company, but it has also strengthened my belief that Meijer will be open to moving forward with creating healthy checkout aisles - as page after page speaks to a history of innovation, respecting others, and valuing the customer. Apparently, upon meeting people Fred Meijer often used to ask, “What can Meijer do better?” How I wish he were here today so I could simply meet him but also persuade him to join the healthy checkout movement – and to be, yet again, a leader in the industry. I think he would have sat down with me to discuss it as he is described as believing that “feedback is crucial to success and that good communication means being approachable.” Indeed, he WAS approachable and he was a good listener. He was open to new ideas and always challenged employees to look for better ways of doing things and to pay attention to changes in the industry because he knew if Meijer didn’t do it, its competitors would. He knew that it was important to understand Meijer’s customers and communities and that Meijer “should be trying and failing at new things all the time….we shouldn’t be afraid to be risk-takers.” In fact, this has been an integral part of Meijer’s history. Meijer has always been innovative and has introduced new products and new services well ahead of its competitors. This seems to have come partly from Fred’s upbringing as he once said, “My parents raised me in the way the world was going, not where it had come from.” This applied to so many aspects of his life and often meant going against the status quo. He said, “Courage is just trying to do the right thing in every situation. If we do, we’ll sleep better at night.” I love this! And it brings us to one of the things I admire most about Fred Meijer - his belief that we should “put ethics first and profits will follow.” This sentiment and practice is harder to find these days in any company, but it is SO important and true - ESPECIALLY when it comes to the kinds of foods, beverages, and reading material being promoted to children in checkout aisles, as well as to how women and girls are represented in the magazines Meijer is selling at checkout. Fred and Hendrik Meijer “felt it important that a community should be better off because they have a Meijer store in the neighborhood.” I couldn’t agree more and indeed Meijer communities have benefited enormously from Meijer’s business and generosity. Now we would like to see these benefits extend to and from the kind of products offered in Meijer’s checkout aisles. Fred Meijer passed away in 2011, but I have to believe that his beliefs and values have been carried forward in the company. Once the petition has 1,500 supporters I will formally send the petition and a letter to Rick Keyes (CEO of Meijer) requesting a meeting. Then we can all cross our fingers - and toes. If you can’t tell already, I highly recommend this book. It’ll give you a deeper connection to and appreciation for Meijer and the people behind it. It’s available in Meijer’s book department, but it should really be sold at checkout - and if it’s not already, be required reading for Meijer employees. Though it would probably go against Fred Meijer’s dislike of tooting his own horn – which is just one more thing to admire about him. Thank you again for supporting the petition! Respectfully, Jane Kramer