Second Harvest receives donation from Meijer

Meijer announced a $2 million donation March 28 to 30 food bank partners, eight in Ohio including the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, to help battle hunger in its communities, according to a news release.

These focused donations will create a larger impact helping the food banks to better meet the needs of those they serve, resulting in a positive ripple effect in communities across the Midwest, the release said.

“We recognize the vital role food banks play in addressing hunger and are proud to stand alongside our partners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer, in the release. “We know there is an elevated need in many of our communities, and we want to do our part to help feed our hungry neighbors.”

For 90 years, feeding people has been at the heart of Meijer, with hunger relief being one of the retailer’s longest-standing philanthropic commitments, according to the release.

“Meijer has been a tremendous partner to Second Harvest with its weekly food donations, which reach families through our regional network of food pantries and hot meals program,” said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio in the release. “This generous donation will allow us to continue to source fresh for our senior food box program that serves over 1,800 local seniors and delivers produce boxes at our local WIC (Women, Infants and Children) office to expecting and new mothers.”

The Ohio-based organizations sharing in the donation are Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank; Freestore Foodbank (Cincinnati); Greater Cleveland Foodbank; MidOhio Food Collective; Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley; Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties; and The Foodbank (Dayton).