Orland Township Food Pantry and Meijer Fight Food Insecurity

ORLAND PARK, IL – Orland Township is proud to announce a partnership with Meijer to provide much-needed relief to local families facing food insecurity through the retailer’s customer-driven hunger relief program, Simply Give.

“We were very fortunate to be able to assist so many families during the pandemic,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “Last year we never stopped working, and it showed us that the pantry continues to be a major staple amongst the community. By partnering with Meijer, we will be able to continue providing assistance to our neighbors in need.”

As the community continues to feel the effects of the COVID-19, the Township food pantry is still seeing increased need in the community as families face ongoing economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Each Meijer Simply Give campaign replenishes the shelves of more than 250 food pantries in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin. The program encourages customers to purchase $10 Simply Give donation cards, which are then converted into Meijer food-only gift cards and given to a local food pantry in the store’s community.

The Orland Township food pantry will benefit from donation cards purchased at the Meijer located at 15701 71st Ct., Orland Park, IL 60462, now through Oct. 2. In addition, Meijer will double match any cards purchased on Saturday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 28, effectively tripling contributions made on those days. Meijer customers shopping online using Meijer pickup or home delivery can also purchase Simply Give donation cards as an add-on to their orders.

“The struggles we faced during the pandemic taught us all the importance of community members supporting each other,” said Robin Kassis, Township Food Pantry Coordinator. “We encourage all residents to help us support their neighbors facing food insecurity in the community this fall by purchasing a Meijer Simply Give food donation card during their next shopping trip.”

In light of increased need resulting from COVID-19, Meijer donated more than $7.6 million to Simply Give food pantry partners in 2020 and made an additional $1 million gift in March. Since the program began in November 2008, more than $65 million has been generated for food pantries in the Midwest to distribute to neighbors in need.

“Food pantries continue to struggle to keep up with the flood of requests they receive daily, especially given the difficult circumstances many families face in the wake of the global pandemic,” said Cathy Cooper, Senior Director of Community Partnerships and Giving for Meijer. “The Simply Give program is a way for Meijer customers to partner with us and support the food banks and pantries that feed families in need in their own communities. We certainly couldn’t do it without the support and commitment of our generous customers and team members, who stand beside us in this effort.”

NOTE: Donations MUST be made at the Meijer located at 15701 71st Ct., Orland Park, IL 60462, in order to benefit the Orland Township Food Pantry.

About the Orland Township Food Pantry: The Orland Township Food Pantry supplies food to low-income residents who need immediate assistance. Since taking office in 2009, Supervisor O’Grady has expanded the Food Pantry and has made it possible to assist more than 300 families every month, providing them with a variety of non-perishable and fresh food items. While the Food Pantry is staffed by Township personnel, it could not accomplish everything it does without the hard work of community volunteers and the generous donations of residents and local organizations and businesses. Please call the Food Pantry at (708) 403-4222 for information on volunteering and other donation opportunities, or visit the website at www.orlandtownship.org.

About Meijer Philanthropy: Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at enriching lives in the communities it serves. Meijer proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.