ORRVILLE, Ohio, March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The J. M.
Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) announced a series of measures today to
support its employees and communities as they deal with the impact
of COVID-19.
"We understand the uncertainty people are feeling right now, and
are committed to do our part to ease some of that concern by
supporting our employees and communities, while ensuring people and
pets have access to a steady supply of food," said Mark Smucker, President and CEO, The J. M.
Smucker Company.
Supporting Employees
In addition to implementing extensive sanitation measures and
temperature screenings at its locations to prevent the spread of
COVID-19 and keep employees safe, the Company has introduced the
following support measures:
- In an effort to avoid furloughing employees, the Company is
providing up to 12 weeks of full pay and benefits continuation for
employees whose manufacturing or distribution facility is closed or
whose roles cannot be performed due to the COVID-19 situation.
- A one-time $1,500 hardship award
is being issued to approximately 5,700 employees in manufacturing,
distribution and other functions where employees are diligently
serving on the ground to ensure the delivery of food to fellow
citizens. This award is a gesture of gratitude for how employees
have embraced the challenges presented by COVID-19 and to support
any financial needs they may have due to the impact of
COVID-19.
- Paid sick leave (14 days) will be provided to individuals who
must be absent from work to care for dependents or household
members who test positive for COVID-19, have COVID-19 symptoms
and/or are directed by a medical provider or Company protocol to
self-quarantine.
- As a self-insured employer, the Company is paying for 100
percent of COVID-19 testing for employees and all virtual health
screenings conducted by the Company's insurance provider.
- Availability of mental health resources are being reinforced to
employees across the Company.
- The Company is seeding an assistance fund with $100,000 to support employees significantly
impacted by COVID-19.
Supporting Communities
The Company is taking the following measures to support its
communities:
- Maximizing production at its manufacturing facilities, all of
which are currently open, to make its most in-demand products and
expanding the hours of many of its distribution centers so
retailers can continually replenish their inventories, ensuring
people and their pets have access to the food they need.
- Donating $300,000 in total to the
Red Cross, Feeding America® and the United Way to support COVID-19
relief efforts for people and pets.
- Matching 100 percent of employee donations to more than 20
local and national charities.
- Making a special donation of products from the Company's
portfolio of brands to Feeding America® and the Akron-Canton
Regional Foodbank.
More information on The J. M. Smucker Company, including future
company communications, can be found at jmsmucker.com.
About The J. M. Smucker Company
Inspired
by more than 120 years of business success and five generations of
family leadership, The J. M. Smucker Company makes food that people
and pets love. The Company's portfolio of 40+ brands, which are
found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless restaurants,
include iconic products consumers have always loved such as
Folgers®, Jif® and Milk-Bone® plus new favorites like
Café Bustelo®, Smucker's® Uncrustables® and Rachael Ray™
Nutrish®. Over the past two decades, the Company has grown
rapidly by thoughtfully acquiring leading and emerging brands,
while ensuring the business has a positive impact on its 7,000+
employees, the communities it is a part of and the planet. For more
information about The J. M. Smucker Company, visit
jmsmucker.com.
The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all
trademarks referenced herein except for Rachael
Ray®, a registered trademark of Ray Marks II LLC,
which is used under license.
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SOURCE The J. M. Smucker Company