Meijer’s Simply Give hunger relief program has donated $100 million to help alleviate hunger in the Midwest since the program’s inception in 2008.
During that time, the Meijer Simply Give program has provided nearly 900 million meals to communities in partnership with hundreds of local food pantries across its six-state footprint, according to a news release.
“For the last 17 years, the Meijer Simply Give program has fueled the missions of food pantries for countless communities across the Midwest, ensuring neighbors in need have access to nourishing food,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer. “Reaching this milestone is more than a number — it’s a testament to the critical partnerships between our stores and local food pantries, the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our team members. It’s proof that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can make a profound and lasting impact in the neighborhoods we call home.”
To celebrate this achievement and express its gratitude, Meijer said it will make a special contribution of $1.5 million to the hundreds of Simply Give pantries that continue to serve as essential lifelines for individuals and families facing food insecurity across the Midwest.
The Meijer Simply Give hunger relief program has been able to drive such an impact in part because of customers’ shared desire to fight hunger, the release said. Customers are invited to continue supporting their communities by adding a $10 Simply Give card to their cart, which is then converted into a Meijer food-only gift card and given to the local food pantry partner associated with that store’s community.
“Our food pantry partners are truly the heartbeat of our Simply Give program, and we are thrilled to celebrate this impressive milestone with them,” said Melissa Conway, director of community partnerships and giving for Meijer. “On behalf of Meijer, we’d like to thank all our pantry partners for the tremendous care, commitment and compassion they demonstrate every day in providing meals and comfort to families in need.”
In addition to its year-round customer efforts, the Meijer Simply Give program offers special opportunities for contributions to go further, including the campaign’s Double Match Days, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, and other gifting initiatives, the release said.
