Meijer’s Hashtag Campaign Raises Money for Simply Give

Capitalizing on the popularity of food posts, Meijer is introducing a hashtag campaign called "Don’t Just Share the Photo, Share the Meal." For every Instagram, Twitter or Facebook post that includes a photo of food posts and #meijersimplygive, Meijer will donate a meal to its Simply Give program, up to $1 million in value. Every dollar equals 10 meals, according to Feeding America.

“This holiday season, we really wanted to think outside the box and connect with our customers in a meaningful way to help those in need,” said Cathy Cooper, senior director of community partnerships and giving for Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer. “Food has the ability to bring people together, whether it’s around a table for a family meal or a beautifully captured photo on social channels. We wanted to partner with our customers and really take advantage of that power and put it toward good use.”

Photograph courtesy of Meijer

The hashtag campaign runs through Nov. 28 and is promoted on a new Meijer TV commercial that features a handful of food photos submitted by Meijer team members, including caprese salad, apple pie, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, and blueberry-topped crepes. While the hashtag campaign ends before Thanksgiving, the Simply Give promotion runs through Jan. 4, and customers are encouraged to purchase a $10 Simply Give donation card at checkout, which is converted into a Meijer Food-Only Gift Card and donated directed to the food pantry selected by the store.

From Dec. 3-13, Meijer also will double match customers’ donations. For example, Meijer will donate $20 for a customer donation of $10, for a total donation of $30.