New TV Campaign Spotlights Meijer’s Hunger Relief Efforts

Family-owned Meijer has been focused on meeting the needs of other families for 85 years. This commitment is now the subject of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer’s newest TV commercial series spotlighting its Simply Give program that helps feed hungry families.

Meijer began its Simply Give program in 2008 to help local food pantries fulfill their mission of feeding hungry families. Since then, the program has generated more than $50 million, which equates to more than 500 million meals. According to Feeding America, $1 equals 10 meals.

“My father lived a full life, always challenging himself with a deceptively simple sounding hope. He said, ‘I want to leave the world in a little better shape than when I entered it,’” Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said in the commercial. “We believe he achieved that ambition, and we believe that one of the many ways his legacy lives on is in the Simply Give program.”

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.

The fall campaign will run through Sept. 28. On Sept. 13, Meijer will double match customers' donations. That means for every $10 donation card purchased, Meijer will contribute $20, resulting in a $30 donation.

“We are committed to helping end food insecurity in the Midwest and are thankful for the continued support from our generous customers and team members,” said Cathy Cooper, senior director of community partnerships and giving, in a statement. “We are pleased that participation in the Simply Give program continues to grow because it makes a big difference in the communities we serve.”

The new commercial is part of Meijer’s “Quality is No Accident” campaign that highlights various departments within the store, including meat, produce, bakery, clothing, pharmacy and now the Simply Give program.

The new spot also marks the first time Meijer relied on team members instead of actors for its commercials. Hudsonville Meijer Store Director Henry Samaniego, who is featured in the ad said, “One of the most important values of our company is our community. I think the Simply Give program is awesome and the way it’s growing is incredible. I don’t know how much simpler you can make it to help out your community.”