3 Grocers Make People’s 50 Companies That Care List

Wegmans Food Markets, Publix Super Markets and Nugget Markets are ranked among People magazine’s inaugural 50 Companies That Care, which the entertainment publication compiled in partnership with Great Place to Work. The grocers came in sixth, ninth and 32nd, respectively, for their efforts to better the lives of their surrounding communities and their associates.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans was recognized for the 15 “Project Search” job candidates it trains annually, coaching them in developing skills and work habits, and its hunger relief efforts.

Publix, based in Lakeland, Fla., was honored for its “Publix Serves Day” devoted to volunteerism at various local nonprofits, and its donations to food banks. “It’s so humbling that this recognition was based on feedback from Publix associates," said Alison Midili Smith, the company's VP of human resources. "Being a servant leader to our associates and our communities is part of what we pride ourselves on, so it’s an honor to be recognized as a company that cares."

Woodland, Calif.-based Nugget received mention for its emphasis on “excitement, teamwork, fun and rewards,” including the company tradition of taking all associates whitewater rafting in multiple events, and its policy of giving part-time employees 100 percent paid medical insurance, a 4 percent 401K match and profit sharing, a long-term disability insurance policy and company-paid life insurance.

Also on the list, at No. 38, was Tulsa, Okla.-based convenience store and gas station chain QuikTrip, which made the cut for its commitment to training and growing employees, and supporting them with generous benefits, including career counseling and free, on-site college courses.

San Francisco Great Place to Work also teams with Fortune magazine to produce the annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list, on which Wegmans came in second, Publix, 21st and Nugget 30th this year, with Wegmans and Publix additionally designated Great Place to Work Legends for making the ranking for all 20 years of its existence. QuikTrip was 68th on the list.