Smile Magazine - Spring 2026

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Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of Smile magazine! This issue covers the full range of what it means to be Hy-Vee in our communities – from helping establish school food pantries to making sure no child goes hungry, to celebrating the educational accomplishments of our employees, to honoring the life and legacy of a Hy-Vee leader. Being part of Hy-Vee means being part of our communities and our customers’ lives every day and in every way. This issue shows how we’re taking that commitment to supporting communities not just here in the Midwest, but around the world. Hy-Vee employees and partners recently visited South Africa to be part of the latest effort to bring clean water to their communities in need. A portion of

every Hy-Vee One Step bottled water purchase goes toward providing the life-changing benefits of accessible clean water in communities across the globe. Starting on page 12, the photos tell an amazing story of how a new well is making an enormous difference for one village and its residents.

We also honor the life of Hy-Vee leader Donna Tweeten, who passed suddenly on April 8 after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Donna’s influence can be seen all over Hy-Vee, from our advertising and marketing efforts to our private label designs, and we celebrate her legacy starting on page 30.

As always, thank you for the difference you’re making for Hy-Vee every day, and enjoy this issue of Smile.

CHILDHOOD DOING OUR PART TO HELP FIGHT

HUNGER

NO CHILD SHOULD GO HUNGRY

Jeremy Gosch Hy-Vee Chairman & CEO

In 2025, we launched the Hy-Vee School Food Pantry program to help address childhood hunger in communities across the Midwest. Working with local Feeding America food banks throughout our trade territory, we provide grant funding to help establish food pantries at local schools that have a high level of need. Throughout the day and after school, students and families can visit the pantry to access nutritious snacks and meals to take home. Our nearby Hy-Vee stores also provide ongoing support to the school pantries through food rescue efforts. To date, we’ve opened three school food pantries with more planned in the months ahead.

Strack in the spotlight

Strack & Van Til has received not one — but TWO — industry awards! Progressive Grocer and The Shelby Report both recognized the retail brand as an Exceptional Independent Grocer for its dedication to serving customers, investment in e-commerce, and for its strong ties to the local community.

Midwest Heritage secures national win

Hy-Vee subsidiary, Midwest Heritage, received its first national award from Newsweek, earning a spot on the publication’s list of the Top Financial Advisory Firms in the nation. In Iowa, Midwest Heritage ranked within the top three firms, cited for its expertise in financial planning and for its comprehensive services.

PAUL, MINNESOTA: The St. Paul City School food pantry opened Sept. 25, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. kids in the U.S. don’t know where they will get their next meal

Best in flavor

Hy-Vee’s private brands are racking up the awards! Our new line of medically tailored meals, Dietitian Dishes, received the Game Changers Award from Store Brands for its nutrition focus and unique flavor profiles. Additionally, our new Nothing But The Truth Overnight Oats and Dietitian Dishes Egg Roll in a Bowl products were both recognized by Progressive Grocer as an Editor’s Pick.

Greatest workplaces for entry level jobs

Hy-Vee has been named to Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level. This ranking recognizes the employers most dedicated to supporting new employees in the workforce through work-life balance, training, career development and culture.

QUESTION & ANSWER

Ellen Ciarimboli, Hy-Vee’s director of retail compliance and food protection, shares about her career path at Hy-Vee and how her team is working to make our stores safe for everyone.

Q: What’s your “Hy-Vee story?” How did you get to where you are today?

A: After earning my bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, I moved to England to pursue my master’s degree in food science. While I loved exploring grocery stores in England, I missed the level of customer service I experienced back home. When I returned home, a Food Safety position was open at Hy-Vee. I wasn’t sure if any organization would take a chance on a science-enthusiast like me, but Hy-Vee did. Nearly 15 years later, I’ve not only built a career, but also a deep passion for customer service and public health.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: Every day, I work with Hy-Vee’s food safety supervisors to ensure our stores are maintaining a safe environment for food preparation as well as overall safe store conditions. I also work with state and federal agencies to help them understand how regulations affect our stores. This includes advocating on behalf of Hy-Vee to ensure any new proposed laws make sense for our employees.

Q: How does your team help support food safety in stores?

A: At each store, we’ve formed Safety Committees to encourage departments to communicate more often about store conditions. We also developed “Behind the Aisles” safety assessments to make it easier for employees to conduct their own safety assessments and deter any issues before they happen. Most recently, we’ve created a new process that allows store employees to put labels for store-prepared foods into our system, so those foods have all the safety information they need.

Q: How can employees help your team’s efforts?

A: We encourage employees to take ownership in the safety of their stores. To make this easier, we recently launched an internal OSHA hotline, providing an anonymous way for employees to share safety concerns in their store.

ELLEN’S TOP FIVE SAFETY TIPS

Help keep your store safe by following these “FRESH” tips:

F

FOLLOW handwashing procedures. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Sing the Happy Birthday song while washing. Dry hands with a clean paper towel.

R

REDUCE cross contamination. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate.

E S H

ENSURE proper temperatures. The temperature danger zone is 40-140º F and keeping certain foods out of this zone will protect our customers.

SANITIZE surfaces and food handling tools. Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces every four hours to prevent bacteria from growing.

HANDLE food safely. Remember no bare hand contact with food, and always wear gloves or use utensils when handling food.

BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED

After more than 45 years with Hy-Vee, Ray Doughan found himself back where it all started — at the Algona Hy-Vee. March 6 marked his final day as a Hy-Vee employee before his retirement, so Doughan celebrated by returning to his hometown store where his career launched on Aug. 8, 1980.

Doughan spent decades advancing through Hy-Vee, eventually becoming assistant vice president of bakery manufacturing. But he never forgot where he started, which is why Doughan wanted to spend his final day in Algona, working the checkout, bagging groceries, and catching up with old co-workers and friends he hadn’t seen in decades.

“We’re in the customer business, we just happen to be selling groceries,” Doughan said. “I have a passion for bakery, but I have a bigger passion for customers.”

The

‘Kenny Kick’ — spreading joy,

one kick at a time

An Owatonna Hy-Vee manager is spreading smiles and positivity one kick at a time. Kenny Dreyling, assistant manager of store operations, is better known around town as “Kickin’ Kenny.”

Dreyling regularly posts videos on the store’s Facebook page, promoting specials and events, and they always begin with the Kenny Kick. Dreyling, a trained professional wrestler with infectious energy, said his famous move started as a nervous tick that developed into a full-on kick. It’s become a hit and instantly makes customers smile.

“You get to develop that relationship with your customers, and I think that’s what makes Hy-Vee unique,” he said. “There’s no other store in town that takes pride in having relationships with their customers like Hy-Vee does.”

Share your good news!

Have good news to share? Send it to smilemag@hy-vee.com, and we may feature it in an upcoming issue of Smile

CANTON’S GOT NEW RHYTHM BRINGING THE HEAT

There’s a new rhythm at the Canton Hy-Vee, thanks to two dancing employees. Elliott Black and Mary “Boots” Tomlianovich’s light-hearted dance videos, which are used to publicize store promotions, have amassed well over 100,000 views on the store’s Facebook page.

Black, 17, and Tomlianovich, 73, said the videos have become such a hit that customers often ask when they plan to release the next one. They said the success of their videos is just another way they can make Canton shoppers smile.

“I’m very grateful to be at Hy-Vee, it’s such a great place to work,” Black said. “The people I’ve met in the community as well as my regular customers just make me smile.”

Kevin Hutchison and team rack up impressive finishes

Kevin Hutchison, Hy-Vee’s vice president, chief information security officer, and his buddies John Neal and Jeff Schmidt pulled off some impressive results at the 2026 American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak

Cook-Off, held in Kansas City. Their grilling skills earned them fifth place in the “Hy-Vee provides steaks” category, as well as 13th in ribs, and 23rd in the chicken category.

“We’re already making plans for our next couple of competitions!” said Hutchison.

Rolling strikes, inspiring lives

When Rob Beard isn’t rolling strikes, he’s inspiring others to put on their bowling shoes.

Beard, a veteran courtesy clerk at the Marshalltown Hy-Vee and a fixture at Special Olympics bowling events around Iowa for four decades, has been inducted into the organization’s state Hall of Fame.

“He’s definitely a motivating figure, and I think that he inspires almost everybody he meets,” his younger brother Nick said.

Coaches and organizers describe Beard as “the definition of an athlete, showing true sportsmanship, energy, positivity and encouragement.”

He is the second Hy-Vee employee to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. Angela Oberlander, a courtesy clerk at Windsor Heights, was inducted in 2018.

From imagination to publication

Once upon a time, Brytta Fitzgibbons dreamed that she would someday write a book.

Now, more than three decades later, that dream has become a reality. Fitzgibbons, who works at the Mount Vernon Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids, wanted to help young readers imagine what it would be like to have a whole bunch of brothers and sisters — like, 100 of them. And they would be rabbits. And the big bunny family would be on a quest to find the ingredients to make their favorite dessert.

The result was “Tricky Pickle Carrot Cake,” a whimsical children’s book.

Fitzgibbons and her mother Judy (a retired, parttime pharmacy clerk at the store) polished the story over the years and eventually partnered with an Indiana company that helps aspiring authors publish and market their work.

Hy-Vee employees help firefighters in Eastern Iowa

Frigid cold temperatures made it even more difficult for firefighters trying to save a burning home in Eastern Iowa. KCRG-TV9 News spoke with employees from the Crosspark Road Hy-Vee in Coralville who took action and helped. Click HERE to view the full story.

Hy-Vee donates water to Mitchellville community

When a mechanical issue forced residents in Mitchellville, Iowa, to conserve their water, Hy-Vee stepped in to help. KCCI 8 News was there as a semi full of bottled water rolled into town. Click HERE to view the full story.

Hy-Vee raises funds to support families of fallen deputies

Hy-Vee customers in Springfield, Missouri, showed their generosity when tragedy hit their community. As Ozarks First News reported, they raised more than $8,000 to support the families of two fallen deputies. Click HERE to view the full story.

Hy-Vee stores and Max Mix partner for fundraiser

Kansas City-area Hy-Vee stores are partnering with Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends to support a new residential facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. KSHB 41 News found out why this cause is so meaningful. Click HERE to view the full story.

Good Samaritan steps in to help customer pay for groceries

An elderly man shopping at the Ripon Hy-Vee in Wisconsin was surprised at the checkout when his method of payment was expired. As the Ripon Press reported, his luck turned around when Hy-Vee showed up at his doorstep with groceries. Click HERE to view the full story.

Hy-Vee launches Dietitian Dishes

Hy-Vee recently launched medically tailored meals called Dietitian Dishes. KARE 11 News in the Twin Cities wanted to know more, so Hy-Vee Dietitian Jennifer Petrucci stopped by for a taste test. Click HERE to view the full story.

Hy-Vee supports young victims of crime with stuffed animals

The Hy-Vee stores in Quincy, Illinois, made a donation that will support children in their community during difficult times. Muddy River News explains how these stuffed dogs will bring comfort to young victims of crime. Click HERE to view the full story.

Scan the QR code to view the digital edition, where you can click on stories, explore additional content and watch videos that bring each story to life.

TAKING ONE STEP FURTHER

Since 2011, the Hy-Vee One Step program has helped people and places around the globe. This year, we took our commitment to helping others one step further by sending a small team of Hy-Vee employees to South Africa to dig wells and provide meals to communities in need. Here’s a look at some of the ways we’re making a difference — locally and globally — thanks to the support of our customers, community partners and employees.

Meet Linah

While in the town of Limpopo, Hy-Vee employees met Linah Masodi Boyer, a site manager at a local daycare with approximately 50 children.

SCAN HERE TO SEE LINAH’S FULL STORY.

Finding water in Limpopo

For more than a decade, Linah and her staff struggled to bring in clean water for basic needs like drinking, washing and cooking. They had to pay to have water transported in on carts pulled by donkeys — and the water was often stored in dirty, contaminated jugs.

Using funds through Hy-Vee One Step, Hy-Vee employees and volunteers installed a well to help support Linah’s daycare and more than 1,000 area residents with clean drinking water. Additionally, meals from Meals from the Heartland were provided to the children at the daycare so they could have a nutritious meal at least once a day.

Local impact

While in South Africa, the Hy-Vee team broke ground on Blessman International’s 100th well, which was funded through Hy-Vee’s One Step program.

Saving Footsteps

While in South Africa, the Hy-Vee team also identified another problem that needed to be solved. While new wells were providing fresh water, villagers were still using old, contaminated water jugs to collect water and take it back to their homes. Despite solving the clean water issue, it was apparent that new clean jugs also needed to be provided. Hy-Vee has now launched a new program called “Saving Footsteps” to switch out moldy, chemical-ridden containers with new, red jugs with the Hy-Vee logo. The red color also makes the new jugs easily identifiable so that old containers can be discarded and replaced.

One Step water

Proceeds from Hy-Vee One Step bottled water help fund the building of wells through our partnerships with nonprofits like Blessman International, United Christians International, Africa Oasis and others.

One Step cereal

Proceeds from each box of Hy-Vee One Step cereal sold provide meals to Meals from the Heartland.

Feeding families

Each year, Hy-Vee employees package millions of meals for Meals from the Heartland, an Iowa-based nonprofit that’s committed to fighting hunger locally, nationally and around the world.

During the trip to South Africa, the team had the opportunity to see those packaged meals get delivered to local daycares, schools and families in need.

Twice a month, more than 200 women running local daycares gather in line at Blessman International’s Del Cramer facility to pick up the free meals for the children they care for.

SINCE 2011, HY-VEE’S ONE STEP PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED:

22.4M Meals to Meals from the Heartland

809 Gardens 160 Wells

820,632 Trees

DID YOU KNOW: For every well dug by Blessman International, a garden is established to produce fresh vegetables for the local community. Every well funded by Hy-Vee costs between $12,500 and $15,000.

Making headlines

Several of our One Step partners joined the team in South Africa, including Meals from the Heartland and Blessman International. A local TV crew from KCCI 8 News also joined the trip to document the efforts and ran a one-hour special on Feb. 22. Click HERE to view the full story.

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE

Electric yard trucks

Hy-Vee was the first company in Iowa to use electric yard trucks to help move trailers at our distribution centers. Today, we have five electric yard trucks across our supply chain that yield substantial savings each year in fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, these electric vehicles are much more reliable than traditional diesel engines when it comes to operating in freezing Midwest temperatures.

At Hy-Vee, we’re committed to caring for the places we call home by reducing our environmental impact.

Here are some of the ways we focus on sustainable practices across Hy-Vee.

Sustainable seafood

Since 2012, Hy-Vee has been an industry leader when it comes to providing high-quality seafood that is harvested in a sustainable manner. We launched our Responsible Choice program in 2012, and since then have continued to increase the amount of seafood products in our stores that are 100% responsibly sourced. We were the first retailer to publicly release the full list of our supply chain’s fishing vessels, showing our commitment to both sustainable fishing practices and fair working conditions.

Solar panels

In 2024, Hy-Vee and Alliant Energy opened the first phase of the largest customer solar project in the state of Iowa, located adjacent to the Chariton Distribution Center. When fully built out, the Chariton solar field will generate enough energy to power the entire Chariton community, including our distribution center.

We’ve also invested in solar panels across other areas of our business to help generate power, including at PDI and our Midwest Heritage branch in Grimes.

TRUE Zero Waste certification

Three of our distribution centers — PDI, the Chariton Distribution Center and the Cherokee Distribution Center — are TRUE Zero Waste certified. That means these distribution centers can certify that they’re diverting millions of pounds of solid waste from landfills each year. Every aspect of our distribution centers’ operations, from lawn maintenance to pallet recycling, is tracked to ensure as much waste is kept from landfills as possible.

FLAVOR MEETS EASE

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, D&D Foods, Inc. is a Hy-Vee subsidiary and USDA-approved facility that produces many of the meat products featured behind the service case of our Chophouse Meats department. In addition to supplying our stores with special meat innovations, D&D also produces our private label soups, meatballs and other prepared items.

The story behind the CHICKEN GRILLER

Hy-Vee has long been known for its signature Chicken Grillers, an innovation that dates back to 1991, when a customer asked Hy-Vee meat managers Rick Harris and Steve Schroeder to recreate a favorite food from her younger years — hot dogs covered in ground beef. Inspired by the unusual request, the duo created the “Griller’s Delight,” made with Italian sausage and cheese wrapped in ground beef and bacon. That concept eventually led to today’s Chicken Grillers, which are produced at D&D.

Elevating meals

The D&D team focuses on creating “value-added” products that are enhanced with seasonings or complementary ingredients (such as bacon or cheese) to provide convenient, flavorful and ready-to-cook meal solutions for customers.

THE NUMBERS

was the year Hy-Vee acquired D&D Foods. 1992

220

175

5 Million SKUs are produced at D&D for Hy-Vee stores. employees work at D&D.

pounds of brats were prepared in 2025. Brats are D&D’s best-selling product. BY

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Which product listed below is NOT produced at D&D? Turn to page 23 to see the answer.

A) Cozy Spoon soups

B) Beef kabobs

C) DiLusso ham

D) Twice baked potatoes

YOURSELF INVEST IN

Knowledge is power, and as a Hy-Vee employee, you have access to a variety of learning opportunities that are designed to expand your skillsets and help you grow in your career.

FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING

Through Guild, employees have access to a wide range of learning opportunities. All courses are available online with flexible start dates. Courses include:

• College prep programs

• Spanish and English language learning

• Certificates in business, management, data, Excel, human resources, supply chain and more.

How much does it cost?

Most — if not all — tuition costs are covered by Hy-Vee.

Who’s eligible to enroll?

Full-time, regular-time and part-time Hy-Vee employees with at least 20 worked hours per week. Other restrictions may apply.

RETAIL EXPERTISE

Within only a matter of months, you can become a certified retail expert! Through Hy-Vee University, we offer a variety of selfguided certification programs for cheese, produce, seafood, wine and more.

How much does it cost?

It’s free (and some of the learning can be completed on the job!)

Who’s eligible to enroll?

Full-time, regular-time and part-time Hy-Vee employees (store leadership approval required). Other restrictions may apply.

“What began as a simple trial to determine whether the Hy-Vee certification program was right for me, quickly evolved into an invaluable development experience. I strongly recommend the program to all employees — especially those working within specific departments who want to deepen their expertise. This program is an excellent way to advance your capabilities while furthering your career.”

Brittany Hendrick Assistant Store Director, Superior Hy-Vee in Lincoln

COLLEGE DEGREES

Designed for working professionals, Hy-Vee’s Tuition Assistance program can help you earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree while working at Hy-Vee. Degrees can be earned 100% online.

FROM PAGE 21

How much does it cost?

Most — if not all — tuition costs are covered by Hy-Vee.

Who’s eligible to enroll?

Full-time and regular-time Hy-Vee employees.

“Everything about Hy-Vee’s Tuition Assistance program is convenient and designed to set degree-seeking employees up for success. The program was very flexible with my full-time schedule with a wide variety of degree paths to choose from. The classes covered a variety of topics that I use daily in my job today.”

Brad Neely Store Director, Stony Brook Hy-Vee in Omaha

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Which product is NOT produced at D&D? ANSWER: C. DiLusso ham

CONGRATS GRADS

BIG DREAMS START WITH SMALL STEPS.

HONORING A HY-VEE LEGEND

DONNA TWEETEN was a visionary leader, mentor and advisor who spent the past 40 years shaping the Hy-Vee brand into a nationally recognized name.

‘‘

Donna leaves behind a lasting legacy and will forever be remembered for her BOLD IDEAS, CREATIVE PASSION and COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.”

With great sadness, we recently announced the passing of Donna Tweeten, the creative mastermind behind some of Hy-Vee’s most iconic marketing campaigns. Donna served as Hy-Vee’s first female president and was instrumental in helping Hy-Vee become the grocery retailer we are today.

Donna joined Hy-Vee in 2006 as assistant vice president of communications. Prior to that, she worked closely with us as the president and chief creative officer of The Meyocks Group, Hy-Vee’s agency partner. During her career with Hy-Vee, Donna served in many key roles, most notably as our chief marketing officer and later president.

Donna dedicated her career to Hy-Vee, guiding our brand and image strategy and elevating Hy-Vee’s presence across the nation. Under her leadership, Hy-Vee was voted the #1 grocery store in the U.S. and earned other national accolades through publications like Forbes, Newsweek and various trade magazines.

Donna’s visionary leadership also enabled Hy-Vee to become the first retailer to engage

LEADING THE INDUSTRY

in a name, image, likeness (NIL) contract with basketball star Caitlin Clark, as well as sign partnerships with Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and U.S. Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East.

As Donna advanced in her career, she used her influence and mentorship to bring more women alongside her and elevate their voices across Hy-Vee. She also served as a trusted advisor for many of our leaders. While Donna retired in January 2025, she remained with Hy-Vee as a consultant up until her passing on April 8. She had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“We are simply heartbroken by the sudden loss of Donna Tweeten,” said Jeremy Gosch, Chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee. “Not only was Donna a trailblazer across Hy-Vee and the retail industry, she was a true friend and mentor to many, myself included. Donna leaves behind a lasting legacy and will forever be remembered for her bold ideas, creative passion and commitment to excellence.”

Donna influenced branding in the grocery space — and beyond. Her work earned her a series of awards from publications across the nation. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) -Mass Market Retailers

• Champion of Change (2024) -ADWEEK

• Leading Women Forward (2024) -Ad Age

• Esther Peterson Award for Consumer Service (2024) -FMI

• Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer (2023) -Progressive Grocer

• Top Women in Grocery (2019, 2013, 2011) -Progressive Grocer

• People Who Made a Difference (2016) -Mass Market Retailers

JACQUELYN

THE EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE PROGRAM HELPFUL SMILE

Winners will be selected each quarter based on nominations. Each winner will receive a gift along with a $50 gift card. All employees within the organization are eligible to win — in stores, distribution centers, subsidiaries and corporate offices.

Scan the QR code to nominate an outstanding employee who goes above and beyond in delivering exceptional service! Nominations are open through Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m.