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CONTACT: David Peterson – (734) 844-2775
david.peterson@meijer.com
MEIJER TO PROVIDE FRESH PRODUCE, MEAT AND DAIRY ITEMS TO HELP FEED DAYTON’S HUNGRY
Fresh Products Expand Menu Of Offerings Provided To Area Food Banks
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (October 21, 2010) – With tens of thousands of Dayton area residents living at risk of hunger, Meijer, the Michigan-based grocer, is stepping up its efforts to not only feed the hungry this year, but to offer healthier, fresher choices for those in need.
Entering its first full year of donating to The Foodbank in Dayton, Meijer announced today that it will supplement its typical dry goods donations by now supplying fresh produce, meat, dairy and deli items to the local hunger relief organization.
The Foodbank is the leading source of emergency food assistance in the Dayton area. The 34-year-old hunger relief organization distributed five million pounds of food last year to member agencies throughout Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties. In total, more than 70,000 local residents last year benefited from donations made to The Foodbank. Nearly half the recipients were children.
“No one should go to bed hungry, and those that are fortunate to find help from local pantries and food banks should be given the opportunity eat fresh, nutritious and healthy food,” said Janet Emerson, executive vice president of operations for Meijer. “The food rescue model has changed, and we’re proud to be taking the lead in providing healthy offerings to those who rely on food banks for their meals.”
Five Dayton area Meijer stores take part in the food rescue program with The Foodbank. Since it began working with the local hunger relief organization in August, Meijer has donated more than 10,000 pounds of food that has been distributed to 77 different member agencies that operate 100 feeding programs throughout the tri-county region.
“Partnerships with grocery retailers like Meijer are vital in the fight against hunger in our community,” said Burma Thomas, CEO of the Foodbank. “The need for emergency food assistance in our area continues to climb as folks find it harder to meet their most basic nutritional needs. This generous donation program with Meijer is a most welcome addition to The Foodbank’s family of food sources for our hungry neighbors in the Miami Valley.”
Among the fresh items that Meijer will begin donating to the local hunger relief organization include packaged ready-to-eat lunch and breakfast meats and cheeses, ground beef, pork and veal, fresh pizzas and bakery goods, as well as Meijer brand water, juice boxes and snacks.
Helping to combat hunger has been a primary focus of Meijer’s for many years. The company annually donates millions of pounds of food to local food banks and pantries, and has also generated nearly $1.4 million in donations to local food banks through its Simply Give program.
About The Foodbank
The Foodbank serves charitable food agencies, pantries, community kitchens, shelters and Kids Cafés in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Working out of its 24,000 square foot warehouse at 427 Washington Street, The Foodbank is the collection point of more than four million pounds of food annually, which is then distributed to our members. Nearly half of the food feeds children at-risk of hunger. To learn more about The Foodbank, Inc., please visit www.thefoodbankdayton.org. The Foodbank is a United Way Partner Agency and a member of Feeding America.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 195 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. As the inventor of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com.
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