Meijer Kick-Starts Spring with Food Pantry Donation

Michigan-based mega retailer Meijer has kicked off its latest “Simply Give” campaign as a continuation of its support of local food banks and pantries.

As unemployment continues to challenge the U.S. economy, an increasing number of people focus on local food banks to help feed their families. To help alleviate these shortages at food banks during the spring season, Meijer is once again teaming up with its generous customers and team members in implementing its Simply Give Food Pantry Campaign to help restock the shelves of nearly 200 local food pantries in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.

“It’s very inspiring to see how our customers have joined us to help their communities during these tough economic times,” said Janet Emerson, Meijer executive VP of operations. “This is our eighth Simply Give program, and we are very pleased that we are closing in on $2 million in food donations since 2008.”

The latest effort began March 20 and will continue through May 14.

The program encourages local shoppers to purchase a $10 Meijer Food Pantry Donation Card at special displays throughout each store. The donation cards are then converted into Meijer Gift cards and given to the local food pantry selected by the store. Meijer will continue seeding the Simply Give program with $100,000 in grocery gift cards that will be divided equally among all the participating food pantries.

Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profit annually to an expansive group of charities and organizations throughout the five states where its stores are located. The Simply Give program is designed to ensure the benefits assist the very community where the specific Meijer store is located. The program is complemented by other food based initiatives, including the donation of fresh food to local food rescue organizations in communities throughout the Midwestern region.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 195 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.