Meijer Simply Give Double Match Days Generates more than $500,000 for Hungry Families in the Midwest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer customers generously donated $184,230 during Simply Give Double Match Days to help food pantries throughout the Midwest restock their shelves. That effort, combined with the commitment from Meijer to double match all donations made April 12-13, means the total donation climbed to $552,690 during those two days, Co-Chairman Doug Meijer announced today.

"The tremendous generosity of our customers is an inspiration for us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their partnership," Meijer said. "Our Simply Give program, along with the double match efforts, really helps make a difference for our struggling neighbors."

Meijer began double matching customer donations on select days of its Simply Give campaigns in September to support Hunger Action Month and highlight its continuing commitment to hunger relief. The effort resonated well among customers, and food pantries participating in the program.

"This is a huge win for our food pantry partners, who aggressively engaged the community to help every $10 donation stretch even further," said Janet Emerson, executive vice president of retail operations. "It's very rewarding to work with so many food pantries whose dedication to food-giving is unwavering."

Although the double match has concluded, customers can still donate to the spring Simply Give campaign, which runs through May 18. Donation cards are located on kiosks near the checkout.

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 program aims to replenish the shelves of nearly 200 food pantries in the retailer's five-state region each campaign.

Traditionally, Meijer seeds each Simply Give campaign with $100,000 in grocery gift cards that are divided among all the participating food pantries. For the second consecutive year, the retailer will contribute $1 million – equaling 6 million meals – to the program.

The Simply Give program has generated nearly $5 million – or about 30 million meals – since it began in November 2008.

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 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