Meijer Simply Give Program Sets Record

Meijer’s Simply Give program set a fall record of $2.5 million for food pantries throughout the Midwest, making it the most successful fall campaign in the program's history.

The retailer's customers donated more than $913,000 during the fall Simply Give campaign and, combined with a donation from Meijer, set the total at more than $2.5 million. The Simply Give program has generated more than $26 million since its inception in November 2008 for food pantry partners to restock their shelves and feed the needy.

"We cannot thank our customers, team members and food pantry partners enough for continuing to rise to the challenge and help us feed hungry families,” CEO Hank Meijer said. "It's inspiring to see such great enthusiasm for helping neighbors in need."

Feeding Hungry Families

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer began the program as a way to help local food pantries throughout the Midwest.During each campaign -- there are three of them every year -- 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.

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

The holiday Simply Give campaign will run Oct. 30 through Dec. 31. Meijer will double-match customers' donations Nov. 11-12. That means for every $10 donation card purchase, Meijer will contribute $20, resulting in a total $30 donation.

In addition, now through Nov. 26, Meijer will donate $5 (up to $1 million) to Simply Give for each flu shot administered at its 230 stores.

Meijer operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.