Meijer has named 18 community volunteers as recipients of its annual Hunger Relief Hero Award, a program that recognizes people who have made significant contributions to fighting food insecurity across the Midwest.
Each honoree receives a $500 Meijer gift card and a commemorative plaque. The hunger relief nonprofit that nominated them also gets a $5,000 donation in their honor. The awards are part of Meijer’s broader efforts to address hunger, which include its Simply Give program, partnerships with local food banks, and ongoing community giving.
2026 Honorees
This year’s winners include a wide range of volunteers from across the region:
- Pat Pease – Vineyard Food Resource Center in Wickliffe, Ohio;
- Mary Fontaine – Food for Greater Elgin in Elgin, Illinois;
- Pat Westerman – Tri-County SOUL Pantry/Ministries in Cincinnati, Ohio;
- Tina Anderson – Pickerington Food Pantry in Pickerington, Ohio;
- Barb Nagel – St. Peter Food Pantry in Huber Heights, Ohio;
- Gloria Trammell – Storehouse of Hope Food Pantry in Detroit, Michigan;
- Tonya Jones – United Together Lupus Foundation in Saginaw, Michigan;
- Nayda Miller – Grabill Food Bank in Grabill, Indiana;
- John “Skip” Obermeyer – God’s Kitchen/Catholic Charities West Michigan in Grand Rapids, Michigan;
- Robin Wagner – McCordsville United Methodist Church Food Pantry in McCordsville, Indiana;
- Tom Blaising – People Helping People in Pullman, Michigan;
- Marty Morrison – King’s Kupboard in Hillsdale, Michigan;
- Maria Miles – Jacob’s Ladder Outreach in Mount Washington, Kentucky;
- Don Stewart – Sussex Outreach Services in Sussex, Wisconsin;
- Ken Jania – Trinity Food Pantry in South Bend, Indiana;
- Carol Olson – St. James Pantry in Danville, Illinois;
- Sheryl Levin – Jewish Senior, Family and Social Services in Sylvania, Ohio; and
- Rebecca Brown – Otsego County Food Pantry in Gaylord, Michigan.
“We received nearly 400 nominations, which is a true testament to the incredible neighbors who serve our communities every day,” said Vik Srinivasan, chief administrative officer at Meijer.“We’re excited to recognize those who have dedicated their time and energy to feeding Midwest communities, and the meaningful difference they are making for neighbors in need.”
[RELATED: Meijer Donates $200K Towards Ohio Hunger Relief]