#United States #Grand Rapids #hunger relief #Meijer Simply Give #food pantries

Meijer's Remarkable $100 Million Hunger Relief Milestone

In a significant milestone for community support, Meijer's Simply Give hunger relief program has achieved an astounding $100 million in donations since its launch in 2008. This initiative has been instrumental in combating food insecurity across the Midwest by partnering with local food pantries, ultimately providing nearly 900 million meals to those in need.

Rick Keyes, President and CEO of Meijer, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating that it reflects not just a monetary figure but symbolizes the strength of community partnerships, customer generosity, and the unwavering commitment of Meijer team members. "Reaching this milestone is more than just a number; it underscores the critical connections between our stores and the local food pantries we support. It proves that when we unite our efforts towards a common goal, remarkable things can happen within the neighborhoods we serve," he remarked during the announcement on May 7, 2025.

To celebrate this achievement and express gratitude to its partners and customers, Meijer is making a special donation of $1.5 million to the many Simply Give pantries that act as essential resources for families facing hunger. This act of kindness is a testament to the ongoing support Meijer provides through its initiatives.

The success of the Simply Give program is largely attributed to the collective efforts of customers who share a commitment to alleviating hunger. Customers can actively contribute by adding a $10 Simply Give card to their cart when shopping; this contribution transforms into a food-only gift card that is donated to a local food pantry connected to that store. Each of these donations directly aids neighbors who are struggling to access essential food supplies.

"Our food pantry partners are truly the heartbeat of our Simply Give program, and we are thrilled to celebrate this impressive milestone with them," commented Melissa Conway, Director of Community Partnerships & Giving at Meijer. "We sincerely appreciate all our pantry partners for their dedication and compassion in providing nourishment and comfort to families in distress. Everyone deserves access to food, and our partners make that a reality every day."

In addition to the core donation efforts, the Meijer Simply Give program organizes various initiatives such as Double Match Days and events like the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. These campaigns allow contributions to have an even greater impact, especially during times when food insecurity peaks.

The milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements but an energizing call to continue fighting hunger in the Midwest. With customer support still crucial to the program's success, Meijer encourages everyone to take participation a step further by supporting local efforts and getting involved in their communities.

Meijer operates over 500 locations across the Midwest, serving communities with a mixed assortment of grocery and department store offerings. Known for their commitment to corporate social responsibility, Meijer consistently allocates at least six percent of its profits towards strengthening local communities.

To stay informed about future contributions and initiatives, you can visit Meijer's dedicated news portal. As Meijer continues to meet community needs, the impact of their Simply Give program serves as a powerful reminder that collective initiatives can tackle societal challenges with empathy and commitment.