With rising inflation and higher food prices, the need for food pantries remains critical – and so is the power of generosity. Over 2 decades ago, we started our food pantry to address food insecurity and relieve some financial stress for our West Side neighbors. Currently, we support more than 900 West Side individuals and families each month, providing fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, shelf-stable food selections and household goods at no charge. For many of our neighbors, the pantry is the difference between getting by and being able to move forward with hope.
West Michigan storyteller and strategist JW Newson recently shared a beautiful and very personal reflection on food insecurity, community support, the legacy of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and organizations changing lives beyond the fairways. His reflection below is a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and its lasting effect.
This Saturday, June 20, is Meijer Simply Give Double Match Day, which boosts the impact of your generosity. When you purchase a $10 donation card at Bridge Street Market, Meijer will double your gift, turning it into $30. All funds will go directly toward stocking our food pantry so West Siders can stock their shelves.
“Since 2008, Meijer’s year-round Simply Give program has helped stock food pantry shelves throughout the Midwest, generating more than $100 million through support from customers, employees and community partners. The previous 11 tournaments alone have generated more than $13 million for local food pantry partners. The numbers are significant. The quieter stories behind them may matter even more. There are more people than many realize who know what it feels like to miss meals — not because of fasting, poor choices or lack of ambition, but because circumstances become heavier than resources. Some carry those memories long after stability arrives. I know because I was one of them. During parts of my educational journey, organizations and missions like The Other Way Ministries helped provide stability during difficult moments. Their support did more than fight hunger. It created enough room mentally and emotionally to remain focused on school, growth and building a future. Food insecurity is often invisible. Its impact is not.”
You can read more of JW’s great article here: https://www.demductions.com/bringing-everyone-around-together/hungry-kids-grow-up-meijer-lpga
