The 2024 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is continuing its unwavering commitment to feeding hungry families across the Midwest with a record-breaking donation goal of $2 million. In the spirit of this highly-anticipated community event, LPGA Professional Golfer Brittany Lang joined our team for a visit to one of Grand Rapids’ most relied-upon organizations when it comes to feeding the hungry, The Other Way Ministries.
Supporting Grand Rapids families since 1969, The Other Way Ministries offers programs for affordable childcare, food insecurity and outreach for youth.
In recent years, the organization has seen a significant increase in demand for perishable items, including dairy, eggs and fresh produce. Forming a close partnership with our neighborhood market, Bridge Street Market, has supported the organization in meeting the community’s needs.
Scott Bloem, Executive Director of The Other Way Ministries, shared the food pantry saw around 150 families each month, four to five years ago. However, in 2023, the number of families utilizing the pantry exceeded 900 each month, a 500% increase.
“That’s a six-fold increase we simply could not have kept up with without the Simply Give partnership,” Bloem said.
The Meijer Simply Give program has generated more than $90 million for food pantries across the Midwest since its inception 16 years ago.
“We do community development work here at The Other Way, so I love to see when a lot of different people come together to help make sure everybody has what they need, so Meijer coming through, a professional golfer Brittany Lang coming through and wanting to learn what we do, we’re honored to do that, and we’re glad that they’re here.”
“They’re family, and they care, and they listen to their community about what they want to eat,” Lang said. “To know that if you do need help to build you up and get back on your feet, there are people out there.”
The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give will be held June 13-16 at Blythefield Country Club. For more information, visit meijerlpgaclassic.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest tournament news by following @MeijerLPGA on Instagram and X. To view the 2024 Meijer Simply Give impact video, click here.