FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
David Peterson – (734) 844-2775
david.peterson@meijer.com
David Karr – (517) 702-3315
dkarr@midmichiganredcross.org
MEIJER TO PROVIDE FRESH PRODUCE, MEAT AND DAIRY ITEMS TO HELP FEED MICHIGAN’S HUNGRY
Fresh Products Expand Menu Of Offerings Provided To Area Food Banks
LANSING, MI (October 21, 2010) – With more than four million Michigan households 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 26th year of donating to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, Meijer announced today that it will supplement its typical food donations by now supplying fresh produce, meat, dairy and deli items to the local food rescue organization. Historically, Meijer would provide the food bank with canned goods, dry packaged goods and other items that were non-perishable.
“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.”
Among the fresh items that Meijer will begin donating to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank 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.
Last year, Meijer donated more than one million pounds of produce, and nearly 1.6 million pounds of groceries to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, which helped stock 200 local pantries. A total of 11 Meijer stores throughout Lansing take part in the food rescue program that ultimately feeds 115,000 people annually in the seven counties serviced by the organization.
“We are so grateful to partner with such a generous company,” said Dave Karr, director of the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. “The need for food has not diminished in the last few years; in fact the need is growing. As partners, we can now help more mid-Michigan families that are struggling every day with food scarcity.”
A member of the Feeding America network, the Mid-Michigan Food Bank was founded in 1984 when a local retiree noticed good food from various grocers being sent to landfills. He asked the Red Cross for help in redistributing the food to families in need instead of having it shipped to landfills. From here, the Mid-Michigan Food Bank got its start.
Every dollar donated to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank is used to provide meals for families in need within the mid-Michigan area. One dollar can buy seven meals because $1 has the power of $10 retail value at the food bank.
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 Mid-Michigan Food Bank
The Mid-Michigan Food Bank is a division of the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, and guided by its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross movement, provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. www.midmichiganfoodbank.org
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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