Ashley Peterson has joined Associated Food Stores as a corporate wellness facilitator, bringing a background in public health and a passion for helping others live healthier lives.
In her role, Ashley oversees the company’s wellness program, focusing on Healthy Living initiatives and developing programs to support team members’ overall well-being. She said her goal is simple: to motivate team members to “live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Ashley comes to AFS after spending the past two and a half years working for a nonprofit organization, where she served as a health educator and health communication specialist. In that role, she helped immigrant communities access important health information and resources. She said she was drawn to AFS while looking for a more stable opportunity with a strong mission.
“I was looking for something a little more stable but with a company that had a good mission, and AFS came up,” Ashley said. “So far, I’ve loved it.”
A 2025 graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in public health, Ashley is continuing her education and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at BYU, with plans to graduate in December.
Since joining AFS, Ashley said she has been impressed by the complexity behind getting food from suppliers to store shelves.
“It’s incredible to see how many steps it takes for our food to get from a farm or manufacturer to our plates,” she said. “It really is an impressive system.”
Her interest in food security also played a key role in her decision to pursue a career in the grocery industry.
“One of my biggest passions is food security, helping all people have access to food, and what better way to do that than working in the grocery industry?” Ashley said.
In the coming year, Ashley plans to focus on increasing team member participation in wellness programs, organizing events and fundraisers and helping team members find joy and motivation in improving their health.
She also said one of the aspects she appreciates most about AFS is its people-first culture.
“AFS really is family and people oriented,” Ashley said. “That’s something that immediately stood out to me in the interview process. The company really cares not just about customers, but about the people who work here too.”
Originally from just outside Richmond, Virginia, Ashley describes herself as an East Coast girl at heart. She moved to Utah to attend BYU and later spent 18 months in the Bay Area on a church mission, where she learned Spanish.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys traveling and spending time near the water, whether at a beach, lake or river. She also stays active through workouts, pickleball and tennis.
She remains close with her family, including her three sisters, parents and a young nephew she said the family loves to spoil.
Ashley’s long-term goals include visiting all 50 states before turning 50, a milestone she is well on her way to achieving, having already visited 38.
With her enthusiasm for wellness and connection, Ashley is eager to build relationships and make a positive impact across the organization.
“I’m excited to work with so many people from different backgrounds,” she said. “I love learning from others and hearing their stories.”