Meijer and local food bank partner for their Simply Give program

MISHAWAKA, Ind – Meijer and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana are bringing back the Simply Give program.

The program begins today with “Double Match Day” where for every $10 donation card you purchase Meijer will donate $20.

The Simply Give program began in 2008 and since it started approximately 37 million dollars have been donated to local pantries.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Associate Director MariJo Martinec says the summer time is a crucial time for food pantries.

“Donations significantly drop off during the summer months, but the need actually increases during the summer months. Lots of children are out of school people who have seasonal jobs and then those with who continue to struggle who have a hard time with their jobs and paying for bills and food” Martinec said.

Store manager of the Meijer on Grape road in Mishawaka, Jason Pursehouse says many Meijer locations take part in the program.

“Our over 235 stores are able to impact local food pantries and we do rotate through these food pantries throughout the entire year so we can really benefit all the children that are out there and everybody that’s in need” Pursehouse said.

The program runs three times per year, in the spring, fall and during the holidays.