Meijer has been committed to helping fight hunger in the Midwest for several years, but that cause solidified as a corporate focus last year.

Meijer addressed hunger relief through a variety of philanthropic efforts, including the 2011 Holiday Simply Give program, another distribution of reconditioned trucks to food pantries, the expansion of the Meijer food rescue program, and many other contributions to nonprofit organizations throughout the supercenter chain retailer's five-state footprint.

"Meijer focused on this cause because we understand hunger in the Midwest and want to do what we can to help those in need," Meijer Co-Chairman Hank Meijer announced today. "We appreciate the support and commitment of our generous customers and team members, who stand ready to help us in this fight, and we anticipate continued generosity from the community this year."

Here are just a few examples of how Meijer addressed hunger relief in 2011:

• $5,000 to Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit to purchase food for the needy
• $2,500 to the Greater Lansing Food Bank for the 2011 Empty Plate Dinner
• $1,500 to the Macomb County Food Program
• 1,500 to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Foundation in Warren for a Walk for Kids with Food Allergies
• More than $1,100 in Meijer gift cards to the John Knox Food Pantry in Grand Rapids to purchase food for the needy
• More than $1,000 in Meijer gift cards to the Queen of Miraculous Medal Catholic Church Food Pantry in Jackson to purchase food for the needy

Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profits to charity annually.

Source: Meijer