As part of Team Member Appreciation Week (TMAW) and with the Inspiring Women TMRG, we’re proud to shout out the accomplishments of three amazing store leaders who have been recognized in Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) awards.

Top Women in Grocery celebrates the accomplishments of women leaders in the grocery industry across North America. This year, Melissa Sims (#530), Devin Smith (#28), and Sevilla Burns (#226) were among the top Store Managers recognized for their outstanding contributions both in and out of the workplace.

Melissa Sims transformed her store’s performance with strong year-over-year sales and EBITDA growth, led district-wide improvements in customer satisfaction and loyalty programs, maintained the lowest turnover rate, and built impactful community partnerships as a regional events leader.

 

Devin Smith exceeded sales projections with strong comp growth and a perfect Q4 scorecard, earned the 2024 Ultimate District Award, stepped up to lead a neighboring store through a leadership gap, and partnered with Inspiring Women @ Sprouts to provide free mammograms to her community.

 

Starting as a courtesy clerk, Sevilla Burns now leads one of Sprouts’ top-performing stores with 114 team members, having surpassed sales and shrink targets, earned perfect company scorecard marks, completed every Sprouts training program, and graduated from both college and the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program.

Please join us in celebrating Devin, Melissa, and Sevilla for this well-deserved honor!

Read the full article and more about their accomplishments here.

GT’S SYNERGY RAW KOMBUCHA

The first kombucha to be sold on U.S. shelves, GT’s living foods are fueled by organic plants, raw fermentation, naturally occurring probiotics and ancient wisdom. As a gay entrepreneur, owner GT Dave is passionate to support others in the LGBTQ community, creating the Synergy Scholarship to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ business owners.

BREW DR. KOMBUCHA

With a mission to bring the magic of kombucha to all, without compromise, Brew Dr is also commited to putting people and planet at the forefront of all they do. Brew Dr. proudly supports The Trevor Project, and stands with their LGBTQ employees to fight

PEANUT BUTTER & CO.

Peanut Butter & Co. is an LGBTQ-owned business making peanut butter for peanut butter lovers! When founder Lee Zalben learned 27% of LGBTQ folks experienced food insecurity, the company launched their One Million Spoonfuls campaign to donate more than 36,000 pounds of peanut butter to food banks across the U.S.

PEACE COFFEE

This organic, fair trade Minneapolis coffee company is on a mission to craft a delicious coffee experience while supporting fair treatment for humans along the supply chain. As a women-led, queer-owned complany, they partner with several nonprofits promoting gender justice, Igbtq+ rights and even celebrate Pride as a company holiday.

STONEWALL KITCHEN

Starting in their kitchen in 1991, life and business partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott have built their farmer’s market preserves into a high-end gourmet specialty food brand. While their name doesn’t actually reference the Stonewall riots, their company is deeply involved in LGBTQ rights and promotes diversity, equality, freedom and love.

PIPCORN

Pipcorn is a unique and innovative snack brand that is revolutionizing the popcorn industry. Co-founded by Jennifer Martin, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, Pipcorn is dedicated to providing snacks that taste amazing and prioritize superior nutrition and environmental sustainability. What sets Pipcorn apart is their commitment to using heirloom corn varieties, which have been around for 100+ years and are open-pollinated, ensuring genetic diversity and preserving unique flavors.

 

On May 9, we officially opened the doors at Store #659 in Coconut Creek, FL!

Photo from the Coconut Creek, FL (#659) Grand Opening

Store #659 celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, honored by the presence of Commissioner Sandra Welch and Vice Mayor Jeffery Wasserman. The excitement was palpable as over 140 enthusiastic customers lined up early, eagerly awaiting the 7am opening.

Photo from the Coconut Creek, FL (#659) Grand Opening

While limited parking—due to a small lot shared with neighboring tenants—posed a challenge, it didn’t stop shoppers from turning out in large numbers. In fact, interest was so high that we more than doubled our pre-mailer distribution from 45,000 to 103,000, driven by the area’s high population density.

Also on May 9, we introduced Store #476 to the community in Canyon Country, CA!

Over 400 excited customers lined up early Friday morning, eager to be among the first to experience the new store. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, traffic in and out of the store was carefully monitored throughout the day.

Photo from the Canyon Country, CA (#476) Grand Opening

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, City Council Member Patsy Ayala honored the moment by presenting Store Manager Eric Sustin with a Certificate of Recognition—a proud moment for the entire team.

Photo from the Canyon Country, CA (#476) Grand Opening

Sprouts is the first tenant to open in a brand-new retail center, making this store a cornerstone of future growth as additional retailers prepare to open in the coming months. To build awareness, two billboards were placed in key zip codes along Hwy. 14, a major commuter route to Los Angeles.

On May 16, we opened Store #667 in Lutz, FL!

Over 200 enthusiastic customers lined up early Friday morning, eager to step inside the new store as soon as the doors opened. Many shared their excitement about finally having a Sprouts closer to home, with several noting their familiarity with our other nearby locations.

Photo from the Lutz, FL (#667) Grand Opening

The energy continued all weekend, with Grand Opening transactions, sales, and basket size exceeding goals. A popular BOGO sale helped drive strong performance in the grocery department and contributed to the store’s early success.

Photo from the Lutz, FL (#667) Grand Opening

We were also honored to welcome Commissioner Weightman for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking this special moment with the support of the local community.

Last, but not least, a warm welcome to Store #668 in West Deerfield Beach, FL which opened on May 23.

Photo from the West Deerfield Beach, FL (#668) Grand Opening

While shopper traffic was slightly lower than anticipated—likely due to Memorial Day travel, with AAA projecting a record 45.1 million Americans on the road—the support we received locally was strong and inspiring. We were honored to welcome Mayor Todd Droskey and Commissioners Plaut and Shanetzsky for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reflecting true alignment with the community and its leadership.

Photo from the West Deerfield Beach, FL (#668) Grand Opening

Our Sun Sentinel print ad campaign proved especially effective, drawing a strong turnout from older readers and reinforcing the power of targeted, local outreach. We also expanded our pre-opening direct mailer from 45,000 to 50,000 households, successfully broadening awareness of the new store across the region.

 

This January, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation invited customers and team members to nominate local schools for the ‘Get Kids Cooking’ contest. With over 1,300 nominations, it’s clear there’s serious excitement about getting kids into the kitchen!

As a result, the Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to 25 schools – bringing hands-on cooking education to thousands of students and serving up more than 28,000 hours of learning.

One winning school was Haley Elementary in Chandler, AZ, nominated by Sprouts’ own Frank Santos, Manager Talent Acquisition. His son, Jace, a student at Haley Elementary, already loves steamed broccoli and carrots and, thanks to the grant, his school can now connect their garden program to real cooking lessons.

“I was so excited when I found out my son’s school was selected,” said Frank. “These lessons stick with kids and they bring those habits home.”

Jace now skips soda at birthday parties, and his favorite meal? New York steak with steamed veggies. A chef in the making!

Sprouts has supported school garden and cooking programs since 2015, because we know: when kids grow and cook their own food, healthy habits take root.

Want to see more? Check out the Foundation page on the Vine and sprouts.com/getkidscooking.

We’ve officially launched our summer Cherry Festival, running from May 28 to June 10! This annual event is all about driving incremental sales, building deeper customer connections, and showcasing the best of our seasonal creativity.

What’s the Buzz?
We’ve curated a wide selection of limited-time, cherry-themed products available in-store through the summer. This year’s lineup includes returning fan-favorites and fresh innovations like:

• Sprouts Brand Gluten Free Mini Cherry Cookies

• Cherry Blossom Lemonade

• Vegan Cherry Gummies

• Cherry Vanilla Soda

• …and more surprises!

Why It Matters
This event is a celebration of our brand’s commitment to seasonal inspiration, product innovation, and standout customer experiences. Let’s keep the energy high, displays tight, and customer engagement strong as we make this year’s Cherry Festival one to remember!

Read the Cherry Festival Roll Out Guide here! 

As part of our continued commitment to honor those who have served our country, the Honored to Serve TMRG invites all team members to participate in a voluntary Moment of Silence on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025.

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance, dedicated to honoring the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military. In recognition of their courage and commitment, we encourage each store team to take 10 seconds during team huddles to reflect and remember.

Suggested Talking Points for Team Huddles:

“In honor of Memorial Day and in remembrance of the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we will now observe a 10-second moment of silence.”

(Pause for 10 seconds of silence)

“Thank you for joining us in this moment of reflection and respect to our military service members who gave their lives in service to the United States.”

This moment of unity is a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude, and aligns with Sprouts core value of Care — showing compassion, respect, and patriotism across all of our stores.

We thank you in advance for your participation and support in honoring the memory of our nation’s fallen heroes.

---

Interested in learning more about the Honored to Serve TMRG? Click here to visit their SharePoint page.

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is now accepting nominations for its Summer Grant Program! We’re looking for schools and nonprofit organizations in Sprouts communities focused on health, nutrition, and wellness for kids and adults. Nominate a school or nonprofit using this form and we will invite them to apply–now open through June 1! 

Last year, we awarded over 580 organizations with grants–over 100 partners were recommended by Sprouts Team Members! Our goal is to award one partner in every store community with a donation.

Learn more here.

Join us to raise awareness for mental health and wellness at our Together for Mental Health: Planting Seeds of Support event on Wednesday, May 21 in the Workshops from 8am to 12pm.

Overview:

• Guest Speaker Event – Zak Williams See more details below
• Four Sigmatic – 7am to 9:30am – Support Office Lobby
• Fruit provided by SOUL TMRG – Support Office Lobby
• Lots of free samples
• Raffles & Prize giveaways
• Gratitude Banner
• Mental Health Education & Resources
• … and more!

We invite all team members to wear green on May 21 in support of the event and Mental Health Awareness Month. As a reminder, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides a variety of emotional health and wellbeing services and resources for you and your household to improve mental health and wellbeing. Our EAP is available any time, day or night. Click here to explore all mental health resources.

Meet the Guest Speaker

After Zak William’s dad, Robin Williams, took his life in August 2014, his anxiety went into overdrive. It was at that time that Olivia, Zak’s wife and PYM’s cofounder, introduced Zak to amino acids for mood regulation. Olivia had worked with her doctor while also dealing with similar mood dysregulation and he recommended amino acids to which she had benefited greatly! Zak also started to feel better – more balanced, calm, and in control. Together they created PYM (Prepare Your Mind) so you can be
proactive and prepare your mind to handle everyday stressors.

Zak will be speaking from 8am – 8:30am in the Workshops. Please click here to RSVP for Zak’s presentation.

Please note the event will open to all Support team members at 8:30am.

Meet the Brands

Empowering a more natural way of life, Apothékary is an herbal medicine company rooted in the centuries-old tradition of Japanese Kampo, where plants and herbs are used to address the root cause of wellness concerns rather than just the symptoms. Founded by Shizu Okusa, a former Wall Street professional turned wellness entrepreneur, the brand combines traditional wisdom with modern science to create potent, plant-based remedies that support holistic health. Whether addressing stress, digestion, energy, or sleep, Apothékary’s thoughtfully crafted herbal formulas empower individuals to embrace a more natural way of life and get well—for good. 

Learn more here.

Four Sigmatic was founded in 2012 by Tero Isokauppila to share the healing power of mushrooms. Raised on a 13th-generation Finnish farm, he grew up foraging mushrooms and drinking coffee. Inspired by Finland’s WWII use of mushrooms as a coffee substitute, Tero created the Original Mushroom Coffee. Today, Four Sigmatic has sold over 200 million cups, and continues to help people elevate their everyday routines. We infuse mushrooms and superfoods into everyday staples such as coffee, tea, protein powder and supplements to help consumers with energy, cognitive health, immune & gut support, and stress management. All of our products are USDA Organic, third party tested, free of gums, fillers, and artificial ingredients. We are now a top coffee on Amazon, and in the top 5 natural/ organic coffees in the natural channel! 

Learn more here.

Herb Pharm is proud to be the first Regenerative Organic Certified® herb farm, cultivating over 80 different herbs across 255 acres of certified regenerative land. All of Herb Pharm’s products are Non-GMO and made using only the highest quality herbs to produce broad-spectrum extracts of exceptional purity and potency. The company is committed to sourcing herbs that are grown responsibly and ethically, and its formulas are crafted with clean ingredients, including Certified Organic alcohol and Certified Organic, palm-free vegetable glycerin. With a deep dedication to plant-based health, Herb Pharm’s team of trained herbalists—ranging from farmers to Botanical Affairs experts—ensures that each plant’s full potential is captured in every extract.

Learn more here. 

Juni is a new sparkling tea brand from Life & Purpose Coach, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Podcast Host, Jay Shetty, and his wife, Plant-Based Recipe Developer and Fitness & Well-being Enthusiast, Radhi Devlukia. Juni is all about igniting the spark within. Each of our sparkling adaptogenic teas are crafted with the best adaptogens and nootropics for a perfectly effervescent drink that inspires and enhances both your mind and body. 

Learn more here.

Founded by mother-son duo Maria Shriver and Patrick Schwarzenegger, MOSH was born from a deeply personal journey. After witnessing a loved one’s struggle with Alzheimer’s they were inspired by a shared mission to encourage others to proactively care for their minds. MOSH nourishes your brain and body with brain-fueling nootropics, adaptogens, protein and fiber so you can thrive. A portion of all proceeds are dedicated to funding brain health research through the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. 

Learn more here.

Since 1935, RESCUE® has been more than just a brand—we’re a movement dedicated to supporting emotional wellness through natural, holistic solutions. As part of the Nelsons family, a trusted London homeopathic pharmacy established in 1860, we continue Dr. Bach’s legacy of helping people navigate life’s emotional ups and downs with compassion and care. Our flower remedies are uniquely suited for everyone—gentle, with no contraindications or drug interactions—making them accessible for all ages and life stages. RESCUE® products work with energy and emotions rather than biochemistry, honoring the body’s natural ability to heal itself. As industry leaders in the Mood-Stress-Sleep category in the Natural Channel, we’re committed to creating a supportive ecosystem of wellness advocates while maintaining our family-owned values and sustainability commitments, including carbon neutrality.

Learn more here. 

We’re on a mission to make a better mood accessible to all! After Zak’s dad took his life in August of 2014, his anxiety went into overdrive. Olivia June turned her husband, Jack, on to amino acids after she had success regulating her mood with amino acids that her doctor recommended. Zak started to feel better – more balanced, calm, and in control. Together, they created PYM (Prepare Your Mind) so you can be proactive and prepare your mind to handle every day stressors.

Learn more here.

Source Naturals® was founded in 1982 by CEO Ira Goldberg to help individuals achieve optimal health through innovative nutritional formulations. At a time when combining multiple nutrients, herbs, and nutraceuticals was uncommon, Source Naturals pioneered this approach with Wellness Formula®—now the #1 immune support product in the industry. The brand has since introduced numerous award-winning products, including Life Force® Multiple, Inflama-Rest™, and the Skin Eternal™ line.

Source Naturals’ Bio-Aligned Formulas® target the root causes of system imbalances, supporting the body’s interdependent systems with high-quality, bioavailable nutrients. With over 600 products, the brand remains at the forefront of the Wellness Revolution, promoting a holistic approach to health that includes diet, lifestyle, and personal empowerment.

Learn more here.