Meijer raises $300K for food pantries

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Meijer announced that through its holiday food pantry program raised nearly $300,000 for 185 food pantries throughout the Midwest, with more than half that amount coming directly from Meijer customers. The program, called "Simply Give," began in early November 2008 and ran through Jan. 3, 2009.

"Meijer is extremely pleased at the success of this program," said Stacie Behler, VP of corporate communications and public affairs for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. "We are also very proud of our loyal Meijer customers, who enthusiastically supported this program and helped feed so many hungry people in their communities."

The Meijer Simply Give program raised a total of $287,850 for local food pantries, of which $100,000 was donated by Meijer and $187,850 came through the generosity of Meijer customers..