GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer’s long-running commitment to hunger relief reached a historic milestone today as the retailer announced its Simply Give program has surpassed $100 million in donations since launching in 2008. The total, which translates to nearly 900 million meals for Midwestern communities, marks a significant achievement in the company’s fight against food insecurity.
To commemorate the occasion, Meijer is making a one-time $1.5 million contribution to hundreds of food pantries that partner with its Simply Give initiative. The donation will support pantries across the retailer’s six-state footprint, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin locations.*
"For the last 17 years, the Meijer Simply Give program has fueled the missions of food pantries for countless communities across the Midwest, ensuring neighbors in need have access to nourishing food," said Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijer. "Reaching this milestone is more than a number—it's a testament to the critical partnerships between our stores and local food pantries, the generosity of our customers, and the dedication of our team members. It's proof that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can make a profound and lasting impact in the neighborhoods we call home."
Customers contribute to the program by purchasing $10 Simply Give donation cards at Meijer stores. These cards are converted into Meijer food-only gift cards and distributed to local food pantry partners. The program also features special events, such as Double Match Days and the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, which amplify donation efforts.
"Our food pantry partners are truly the heartbeat of our Simply Give program, and we are thrilled to celebrate this impressive milestone with them," said Melissa Conway, Director of Community Partnerships & Giving at Meijer. "On behalf of Meijer, we'd like to thank all our pantry partners for the tremendous care, commitment, and compassion they demonstrate every day in providing meals and comfort to families in need."
In addition to its year-round customer efforts, the Meijer Simply Give program offers special opportunities for contributions to go further, including the campaign's Double Match Days, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, and other gifting initiatives.
* Meal calculation is based on the approximate average cost of a meal from select food pantry partners across the Meijer footprint. From 2008-2023, this was calculated at ten cents per meal, then was adjusted in 2023 to the present meal calculation rate of 25 cents per meal.
