Meijer supports local pantries through fall Simply Give program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – On the heels of its record-setting spring efforts, the Meijer fall Simply Give campaign will kick off this weekend to help stock the shelves of its food pantry partners throughout the Midwest.



“Participation in our Simply Give program continues to grow, thanks to the generosity of our customers and dedicated food pantry partners,” said Cathy Cooper, senior director of community partnerships and giving, Meijer. “We are committed to helping end the problem of food insecurity in the Midwest.”



The fall campaign will run through Sept. 16, helping restock the shelves of food pantries that were heavily utilized during the summer months.



In addition, on Sept. 1-2, Meijer will double match customers’ donations up to $25,000 per pantry. That means for every $10 donation card purchased, Meijer will contribute $20, resulting in a total $30 donation.



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.



Simply Give donation cards can be purchased at all 235 Meijer stores and will benefit a local food pantry.



Since Meijer began its Simply Give program in 2008, nearly $32 million – or 352 million meals – has been donated to help neighborhood food pantries keep their shelves stocked throughout the year. According to Feeding America, $1 equals 11 meals.



The program runs three times a year when food pantries need it the most: spring, fall and holiday.



“Hunger is a problem that occurs in all of our communities, which is why the funds generated from Simply Give stay local,” Cooper said. “The Simply Give program gives everyone a chance to work toward ensuring no one has to go without food.”