Blessings in a Backpack Supports Local Food-Insecure Communities Leading up to NASCAR Race Weekend

Story by businesswire.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In anticipation of the NASCAR race weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Blessings in a Backpack joined forces Wednesday, Aug. 14, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and The Dale Jr. Foundation, Meijer, and Hellmann’s to pack 1,500 bags of food for food-insecure children in need at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his foundation, Meijer, and Hellmann’s to support the children of Grand Rapids,” said Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack. “This collaboration shows the incredible impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. We are grateful for the continued support from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and our dedicated partners and look forward to making a meaningful difference in these kids’ lives as they start the new school year.”

With Blessings in a Backpack we’ve been able to go into communities, pack backpacks, and see kids that really benefit from these programs,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Giving back to the community is truly special and motivating for me and the foundation. It’s an honor to work alongside such dedicated partners in Meijer and Hellmann’s to ensure these children have the food they need to thrive.”

Blessings in a Backpack has partnered with The Dale Jr. Foundation since 2011. Earnhardt Jr., a long-time advocate for the nonprofit, once shared his love for mayonnaise and banana sandwiches on X, creating a viral moment that led to significant support for Blessings in a Backpack. Earnhardt Jr. encouraged his fans to donate, committing to match donations up to $50,000. Hellmann’s Mayonnaise joined the effort, donating an additional $50,000 to benefit the program. This collaboration extended to Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway, where the sandwiches were sold, with $1 from each sale going to Blessings in a Backpack. In total, this effort raised more than $160,000 for Blessings in a Backpack.

Additionally, Meijer has been a long-time supporter of Blessings in a Backpack. They were the nonprofit’s original food vendor, and Doug Meijer, Board of Directors for the Midwest retailer, was a founding board member.

“I’ve had the privilege of supporting Blessings in a Backpack since the beginning and watching the organization grow to support children nationwide,” said Meijer. “As a family-owned grocery retailer, we understand the importance of nutrition, and we are proud to team up with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his foundation alongside Hellmann’s to feed kids right here in our backyard.”

For this special event, the bags included more than just the typical two breakfasts, two entrées and two snacks. Kid-friendly treats from Hellmann’s and Meijer, along with personalized notes from the three teams, were included in new drawstring bags.

NASCAR race weekend at Michigan International Speedway with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and The Dale Jr. Foundation, Meijer, and Hellmann's

Photos: Business Wire

Blessings in a Backpack

Hunger has both short- and long-term negative effects on children’s health and ability to succeed in school. Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Blessings in a Backpack is on track to provide 3 million hunger-free weekends for kids in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Visit blessingsinabackpack.org to learn how you can help end childhood hunger on the weekends in your community.

The Dale Jr. Foundation

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals, having raised more than $11 million since its inception. The Dale Jr. Foundation has made a monumental impact in the local community since its beginning. Dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to achieve extraordinary goals, TDJF has contributed to more than 300 charities nationally and locally, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, Children’s Hope Alliance, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, FeedNC, and Mooresville Christian Mission. For more information, visit www.thedalejrfoundation.org.

Meijer

Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com.