Indianapolis, Indiana – In a united effort to combat food insecurity, Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis has teamed up with Meijer to address the growing hunger challenges facing local families. As the impact of economic hardships continues to affect communities nationwide, Ivy Tech’s IvyCares food pantry is working alongside Meijer’s Simply Give hunger relief program to provide much-needed food support to residents in the Indianapolis area.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one in eight Americans struggles with food insecurity, a problem that has only been exacerbated by the ongoing economic turmoil. In Indianapolis, the IvyCares food pantry has witnessed a significant increase in demand, reflecting the nationwide trend of rising food insecurity. More families than ever are turning to IvyCares for help, seeking assistance to ensure they have reliable access to nutritious meals.
“More and more members of our community are turning to us for help in ensuring they know where their next meal will come from,” said a representative from Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “IvyCares has seen a continued demand in the last year, and the resulting economic impact of our nation continues to bring great need and challenges to our community.”
In response to this mounting need, IvyCares has partnered with Meijer’s Simply Give program, which is aimed at alleviating hunger and providing food assistance across multiple states. Simply Give is a donation initiative that supports more than 270 food pantries in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Meijer’s approach allows customers to make a direct impact by adding a $10 Simply Give donation card to their cart during checkout. These donations are then converted into Meijer food-only gift cards, which are provided to local food pantries to help restock their shelves.
This partnership will benefit the IvyCares food pantry specifically through Meijer’s store located at 5550 N. Keystone Ave. in Indianapolis. The Simply Give donation cards will be available at the store until September 27, offering customers the opportunity to contribute to the fight against hunger in their community.
“We are excited to partner with Meijer on this vital initiative,” said the Ivy Tech representative. “Help us fulfill our mission of feeding the hungry in our Ivy Tech Indianapolis community by adding a food donation card to your cart during your next shopping trip at Meijer. Every dollar makes a difference.”
The Simply Give program not only makes it easy for customers to donate but also helps foster a sense of community. By encouraging donations through a simple action at checkout, Meijer is enabling individuals to directly support their local food pantries. Furthermore, Meijer is amplifying the impact of the donations on specific days. On Saturday, August 16, and Saturday, September 13, Meijer will double the contribution for every $10 Simply Give donation card added to a customer’s purchase. This means that for every $10 donated, Meijer will match the contribution with an additional $20, resulting in a total donation of $30 for the IvyCares food pantry on these days.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and help our neighbors in need,” said the Ivy Tech representative. “We are grateful for Meijer’s generosity in matching the donations, and we encourage everyone to participate. Whether you shop in-store or online using Meijer Pickup or Home Delivery, you can make a difference.”
Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, continues to be a vital part of the state’s workforce development, offering students an affordable route to education and career advancement. Through initiatives like IvyCares, the college is furthering its commitment to not only education but also community support. As the state’s largest accredited community college system, Ivy Tech aims to meet the needs of its students while also providing services to the community at large, including through partnerships such as this one with Meijer.
“We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” the Ivy Tech representative shared. “But we also understand that without a basic foundation of food security, many members of our community face overwhelming challenges. Together, we can help fill that void.”
By partnering with Meijer and the Simply Give program, Ivy Tech Indianapolis is providing the local community with a valuable resource to fight hunger, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most.
