Last updated on June 14th, 2024 at 09:31 am
Michigan’s food industry directly supports 198,000 full- and part-time jobs, along with an additional 75,000 indirect jobs. The food industry also contributes a gross total of $24.8 billion to the state’s economy through its direct sales, indirect economic impact on other industries and employment. These are among the reasons Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has declared Sept. 26-30 as Food Retailers Week in the state.
In the proclamation, Snyder says, “…the food retail industry is comprised of grocers, specialty food markets, convenience stores and pharmacies along with many other business providing access to food at retail in their communities; and, … business in the food retail industry contributes nearly $900 million in state and local taxes and local governments…”
Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers (AFPD) President and CEO Auday Arabo says, “Food retailers of all shapes and sizes contribute significantly to Michigan’s economic well-being and we are excited that Gov. Snyder is recognizing that, by declaring the last week of September Food Retailers Week, not only do our food retailers play a substantial economic role they also provide convenient access to an essential necessity: quality food. And I think that is a pretty important point that gets easily taken for granted.
“Whether they are your chain store, food specialty shop, local convenience store or gas station, this proclamation is a sign of our state’s thanks for being a critical role in our communities and our economy,” he adds.
AFPD represents thousands of food retailers in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and other Midwest states.
