The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, which was held June 15-18, 2023, is more than just a golf tournament. In its ninth year of play, the tournament raised $1.25 million for Simply Give, the Meijer hunger relief program that feeds families by stocking the shelves of more than 450 pantries across the Midwest each year through the generosity of our customers and team members.

During tournament week, customers got to see firsthand how Simply Give benefits local food pantries, during a tour of North Kent Connect (NKC) in Rockford, Michigan. LPGA Pro Lexi Thompson, Chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria Italiana, and Meijer Board Member Doug Meijer toured the food pantry and warehouse with NKC Executive Director Claire Guisfredi. NKC feeds more than 800 people in 350 households monthly in rural northern Kent County, including Sparta, Kent City, Rockford, Belmont, Cedar Springs, and Sand Lake.

NKC has seen a 40% increase in clients this year, due to the end of increased food benefits from the pandemic. During the tour, Claire touched on the increasing need and the impact the Simply Give program has on their clients.

“We know how important it is for families to have access to healthy, fresh food,” Claire said. “The Meijer Simply Give program is critical to keeping our pantry stocked with essentials year-round. Without this amazing program, we could not help as many families as we do.”

When families come to North Kent Connect, they can select three to five fruits and vegetables, two to four meats, and two to four dairy items based on household size, as well as diapers and wipes for families with babies and toddlers. North Kent Connect is the current Simply Give partner of the Rockford Meijer store.

In total, all nine Meijer LPGA Classic tournaments have raised nearly $10 million for Simply Give.