Meijer Offers Double Match Days to Restock Food Pantry Shelves During Spring Simply Give Campaign

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer will once again double match every customer's $10 Simply Give donation made April 12-13 to help restock the shelves of local food pantries that were depleted over the holidays.

The double match efforts have resonated well with customers, resulting in record-breaking donations that elevated the Simply Give's total donation count to nearly $5 million – or about 30 million meals – since the program began in November 2008.

"Our customers never cease to amaze us with their continued support of our Simply Give program," Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said. "This initiative is a great way to thank them for their generosity by stretching their hard-earned contributions even further, and ensuring our food pantry partners have the supplies they need to feed an increasing number of hungry neighbors."

Each Simply Give campaign aims to replenish the shelves of nearly 200 food pantries in the retailer's five-state region by encouraging customers to purchase $10 Meijer Food Pantry Donation Cards. The donation cards are then converted into Meijer gift cards and given to the food pantry selected by the store. The Simply Give program runs three times a year for about ten weeks.

Simply Give Double Match Days will stretch those donations even further: For every $10 donation card purchase, Meijer will give $20 to the program, resulting in a total $30 donation.

The Spring Simply Give campaign runs through May 18, and customers can find the donation cards at kiosks near the checkout.

To view a video highlighting Meijer's hunger relief efforts, specifically the Simply Give and food rescue programs, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkdYV7IlniA.

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. Additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE Meijer