Meijer’s Community Impact Program
Since 2021, Meijer has been running its unique Team Gives program, empowering team members to support nonprofits in their communities. The program is aimed at providing surprise donations to organizations across the Midwest, making a real difference in local lives. So far, Meijer Team Gives has made donations to over 1,500 organizations, showing the company’s strong commitment to enriching the communities it serves.
“Meijer Team Gives is a deeply personal program for us because it allows our team members across the Midwest to support nonprofits making a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijer.
How the Meijer Team Gives Program Works
In each round of the Meijer Team Gives program, every Meijer location is given $10,000 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. The selection process is highly personalized, with team members identifying and voting on the organizations they feel make the most significant impact. This process not only encourages active community engagement but also ensures that team members feel personally connected to the causes they support.
Key Midwest Nonprofits Impacted by Meijer Team Gives
Detroit’s Rivertown Market and Make Food Not Waste
In Detroit, the Meijer Rivertown Market chose to support Make Food Not Waste, a nonprofit focused on food waste prevention and providing resources for Southeast Michigan.
- Why Chosen: Meijer has worked with Make Food Not Waste for years through its Simply Give hunger relief program.
- Impact: By redirecting food that would otherwise be wasted, this nonprofit addresses food insecurity in Detroit.
“Food insecurity continues to be an issue in Detroit, so this donation goes a long way for local families,” said Elizabeth Clement, Store Director at Rivertown Market.
Table: Top Nonprofit Recipients in Detroit and Cleveland
| City | Meijer Location | Nonprofit Name | Key Focus | Meijer’s Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | Rivertown Market | Make Food Not Waste | Food waste prevention | Supporting food security for local families |
| Cleveland | Avon Meijer | French Creek Foundation | Community development | Funding local festivals and school support |
Cleveland’s French Creek Foundation
On the west side of Cleveland, the Avon Meijer store donated to the French Creek Foundation, a nonprofit working on community development in the French Creek District.
- Impact: The funds will help sponsor holiday festivals, assist a family in need, and support back-to-school events.
- Why Chosen: The Avon Meijer team felt a strong connection with the Foundation, seeing the positive work it does in supporting small businesses and local projects in Avon.
“Our $10,000 donation will support French Creek’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, help a family in need, and fund school shopping events next year,” said Michael Jodrey, Avon Store Director.
Indianapolis’s Choice: The SON Foundation
In Indianapolis, team members chose to support the SON Foundation, an organization providing affordable housing for cancer patients and their families during treatment.
- Impact: The foundation offers a place for patients and their families to stay during some of their hardest times.
- Why Chosen: Many team members at Meijer have been personally affected by cancer and were moved to support the SON Foundation.
“Any foundation related to cancer is near and dear to our team’s hearts,” said Rebecca Miller, Greenwood Meijer Store Director.
Table: Highlights of Top Midwest Nonprofit Recipients
| Location | Nonprofit Name | Focus Area | Meijer’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | Make Food Not Waste | Food waste prevention | Food security support |
| Cleveland, OH | French Creek Foundation | Community development | Holiday events, family support, school supplies |
| Indianapolis, IN | SON Foundation | Cancer patient support | Temporary housing for patients |
| Chicago, IL | Green City Market | Sustainable farming | Promoting farm-to-table and organic initiatives |
| Grand Rapids, MI | Kids’ Food Basket | Childhood hunger | Providing meals for low-income children |
The Impact of Meijer Team Gives on Midwest Communities
Meijer’s Team Gives program has a profound impact on the communities it serves. In Detroit, addressing food waste translates to direct benefits for families facing food insecurity. Avon’s French Creek Foundation creates a supportive environment for small businesses and local projects. Meanwhile, Indianapolis offers cancer patients and their families a lifeline during challenging times through the SON Foundation.
New Nonprofits Supported This Year
This round of Team Gives saw 30% of recipients receiving Meijer’s support for the first time, demonstrating the company’s commitment to reaching new organizations each year.
Long-Term Vision and Meijer’s Values
The Meijer Team Gives program continues to grow, reflecting the values and interests of Meijer’s team members. Meijer’s overarching goal remains focused on community development through philanthropy. By giving employees the chance to support causes they’re passionate about, Meijer reinforces its dedication to enriching lives across the Midwest.
“It’s incredibly moving to see how dedicated our team members are to making a difference,” said Rick Keyes.
Table: Summary of Key Meijer Team Gives Recipients in 2024
| Rank | Nonprofit | Location | Focus Area | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Make Food Not Waste | Detroit, MI | Food waste prevention | Reduces waste, addresses food insecurity |
| 2 | French Creek Foundation | Cleveland, OH | Community development | Supports events, small businesses |
| 3 | SON Foundation | Indianapolis, IN | Cancer patient support | Temporary housing during treatment |
| 4 | Green City Market | Chicago, IL | Sustainable farming | Encourages farm-to-table practices |
| 5 | Kids’ Food Basket | Grand Rapids, MI | Childhood hunger | Provides meals to low-income children |
Conclusion: A Community-Driven Future
The Meijer Team Gives program exemplifies Meijer’s dedication to the Midwest, empowering team members to make positive changes in their own communities. With each location’s choice of nonprofit, Meijer creates a tailored and heartfelt impact, supporting local needs in real and measurable ways.
Table: Summary of Community Impact from Meijer Team Gives
| City | Nonprofit | Focus Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | Make Food Not Waste | Food security | Helps families with access to food |
| Cleveland, OH | French Creek Foundation | Community support | Holiday events, family support |
| Indianapolis, IN | SON Foundation | Cancer patient housing | Provides affordable stay options for families |
| Grand Rapids, MI | Kids’ Food Basket | Childhood hunger | Offers meals to children in need |
The company’s dedication to supporting meaningful causes continues to grow, helping team members connect with their communities and promoting real, positive change in the Midwest.
