In a day where there are huge supermarkets scattered across the landscape yet hunger is a daily threat and concern for thousands of people, you have to be heartened by word this week of a new record set by the Meijer Simply Give program which helps replenish food pantries across the state and the region to feed hungry families.
The Meijer Simply Give program set a record in 2016 with $7.8 million for food pantries throughout the Midwest, bringing the program’s overall donation to more than $28 million since its inception nine years ago in 2008.
The retailer’s most recent campaign – held during the holiday season – resulted in more than $2.3 million alone for hungry families.
Meijer Executive Chair Hank Meijer says, “It’s inspiring to see friends and neighbors come together to take care of hungry families throughout the communities we serve.” Meijer adds, “We cannot thank our customers, team members and food pantry partners enough for continuing to rise to the challenge to support this incredible program.”
The Grand Rapids-based retailer, which has local stores in St. Joseph, Stevensville and South Haven, began its Simply Give program in 2008 as a way to help local food pantries throughout the Midwest achieve their mission of feeding hungry families. It runs three times a year when food pantries need it the most: spring, fall and at the holidays.
During each Simply Give campaign, customers are encouraged to purchase a $10 Simply Give donation card upon checkout. Once purchased, the donation is converted into a Meijer Food-Only Gift Card and donated directly to the local food pantry selected by the store for that campaign.
Cathy Cooper, Senior Director of Community Partnerships & Giving for Meijer says, “Hunger is a problem that occurs in all of our communities, which is why the funds generated from Simply Give stay local.” She adds, “The Simply Give program gives everyone a chance to work toward ensuring no one has to go without food.”
Meijer operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer has a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves and proudly donates more than 6-percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest.
