Meijer Matches Simply Give Donations 2-to-1 During Double Match Days in Support of Hunger Action Month

Retailer replenishes food pantry shelves depleted during the summer while schools were out of session

News provided by

Aug 22, 2013, 08:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer will once again double match every customer's $10 Simply Give donation made Sept. 5-7 in support of Hunger Action Month, Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said.

"Despite the rebounding economy, hunger is still a problem that continues to grow throughout the Midwest," Meijer said. "With the generous support of our customers and food pantry partners, we will continue to make hunger relief a priority because no one should go to bed hungry."

The retailer launched the double match initiative last fall to showcase its continued commitment to help fight hunger in the Midwest, and is pleased the efforts have helped restock local food pantries whose shelves are often depleted during the summer months when school is not in session.

In fact, the initiative resulted in record-breaking donations that elevated Simply Give's total donation count to nearly $6 million – or about 36 million meals – since the program began in November 2008.

Double Match Days are part of a $1 million contribution the retailer is making to its 2013 Simply Give program. Throughout Double Match Days, each customer's donation will stretch even further: For every $10 donation card purchase, Meijer will give $20 to the program, resulting in a total $30 donation.

The Simply Give program encourages customers to purchase $10 Meijer Food Pantry Donation Cards, which are then converted into Meijer gift cards and given to the local food pantry selected by the store.

The Simply Give program runs three times a year for about ten weeks; the fall 2013 campaign runs through Sept. 28.

About Meijer Philanthropy: Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE Meijer