Meijer Simply Give Program Sets Record Year

Program generated $7.8 million in 2016 for Midwest food pantries

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Jan 31, 2017, 09:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meijer Simply Give program set a record in 2016 with $7.8 million for food pantries throughout the Midwest, bringing the program's overall donation to more than $28 million since its inception in 2008.

The retailer's most recent campaign – held during the holiday season – resulted in more than $2.3 million alone for hungry families.

"It's inspiring to see friends and neighbors come together to take care of hungry families throughout the communities we serve," Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. "We cannot thank our customers, team members and food pantry partners enough for continuing to rise to the challenge to support this incredible program."

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer began its Simply Give program in 2008 as a way to help local food pantries throughout the Midwest achieve their mission of feeding hungry families. It runs three times a year when food pantries need it the most: spring, fall and holiday.

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.

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

A video featuring a food pantry volunteer is available on the Meijer Newsroom at http://newsroom.meijer.com/multimedia/categories/philanthropy-community-news.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer has a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves and 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.meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.