The Simple Greek Delivers Bowls of Hope this Holiday in Ankeny, IA

The Simple Greek Ankeny has answered the call from Founder Marcus Lemonis, best known for his long running hit show CNBC’s “The Profit”, to battle food insecurity in local communities. As part of the Plating Change program, The Simple Greek franchise system plans to donate at least 20,000 meals to those in need this holiday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for food assistance and catastrophic impact on small businesses across the US. 

In Polk County, it’s projected that over 58,000 people are currently food insecure, 23,300 are children*.

“There is a passion, amongst all of us, to ensure that small businesses feel supported and that people in need have a meal. We are creating a movement where we’re giving everyone the opportunity to ‘bet on humanity,” said Lemonis.”

The Simple Greek Ankeny plans to donate over 850 “Bowls of Hope’ – a nutritious meal and a Simple Greek classic. Customers can join the cause and provide additional meals to people in need by donating $1, $5 or $10 when they order in store or online at www.thesimplegreek.com. 

They are asking the Ankeny community to help reach those who will benefit the most by submitting an online form at www.thesimplegreek.com/platingchange to “nominate” a charitable organization in Polk County that can help facilitate the distribution of meals to those in need. With the power of social media, people can get involved and make a difference. Find and follow The Simple Greek – Ankeny on Facebook.

The “Plating Change” initiative is designed to drive business to local restaurants and provide meals to our neighbors who need it most. The program is a win-win for the community and that is something we can all feel good about. 

 Source: Gundersen, C., M. Hake, A. Dewey, E. Engelhard (2020). The Impact of the Coronavirus on Food Insecurity in 2020, Update October 2020 [Data file and FAQ]. Available from Feeding America: [email protected].