Good Food for All

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Jim Hiller is fond of the George Bernard Shaw quote, “My life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”

After a successful March launch of the Grace Groceries collaborative program with Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Hiller’s announces its second effort to help ease the burden on local families. The Mitzvah Meals program, which launches in June, partners Hiller’s Markets with Temple Beth El of Bloomfield Hills to provide groceries at a significant discount to families who need the help in a way that preserves dignity and privacy.

“A strong man, a good man, is one who recognizes and uses the power he has to help others,” says Hiller, CEO of Hiller’s Markets, Southeast Michigan’s oldest local grocery chain. “We’re already seeing generous families ordering food for those who need it in an effort to preserve their privacy and maintain their integrity. I am honored to work with such an established and inspirational synagogue to help local families keep their heads above water.”

The Mitzvah Meals program offers a box of high-quality food from Hiller’s for $30. There are no income restrictions, and anyone in the Jewish community can participate, with a cap at 150 orders. Orders are taken June 1-15, with distribution at the end of the month. The set menu is devised monthly by Paul Wertz of Excellence Too Catering. Menu items would retail at approximately $50.

The first distribution is set for June 26 at Temple Beth El. Photo opportunities are available on June 25 at the West Bloomfield Hiller’s (Orchard Lake and Maple Roads, in the Orchard Mall), when Temple Beth El representatives retrieve items from the grocery. Additional photo opportunities will be available on June 26 during distribution at the synagogue, which is located on Telegraph Road and 14 Mile Road.

Founded in 1941, Hiller’s Markets operates seven stores in Southeast Michigan. Dedicated to promoting local companies and cottage industries, Hiller’s indicates Michigan products with special shelf tags in every aisle and highlights Michigan companies in its biweekly circular. This partnership with Temple Beth El is another step in the ongoing effort to rebuild Michigan.

Located at 7400 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, Temple Beth El was the first Jewish congregation in the state of Michigan, established in 1850. With a current membership of 1,500 families, Temple Beth El has long been dedicated to community service and helping those in need. Over the years, Beth El rabbis have played leading roles in the development of the local Jewish community and always maintained a collegial relationship with local churches and other community groups. It is in this vein that Mitzvah Meals is created.

“We are living in very tough times – economic circumstances that many of us have never experienced,” says Temple Beth El Rabbi Daniel Syme. “It is easy to give in to fear because we do not know what is around the corner, but Temple Beth El has always been a community and a congregation dedicated to help those who need it most.”

Hiller’s is dedicated to joining with community organizations – through its active Scrip card program, in support of events and by hosting specialty food fairs serving niche markets like gluten-free consumers. The company also has a long history of working with Temple Beth El. In December of 2008, Rabbi Syme and Jim Hiller collaborated for an impromptu food drive which generated hundreds of meals for hundreds of families.

“When I saw what was going on with the economy, I knew people needed food,” says Rabbi Syme. “And then I heard about a mother who diluted her baby’s formula because she couldn’t afford to buy more. We can’t solve the problem – but we can’t stand by and do nothing. We have an imperative responsibility to do what we can to help.”

“Hiller’s donates to food banks year-round – but I could not say no to Rabbi Syme,” says Jim Hiller. “We have a long history together and I believe in everything he does. Rabbi Syme is a wonderful leader, inspiring people every day to heed the call to help in whatever way they can. Our ongoing collaboration satisfies the Jewish value of tikkun olam, which is the effort to repair the world.”

“I am dedicated to working with good people and good organizations close to home,” says Hiller. “With so many jobs lost and the economy spiraling, I want customers to know that we are in this together – Hiller’s is committed to offering affordable, high-quality options so that everyone can eat healthfully and purchase food, no matter their situation.”

Hiller’s groceries are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and Union Lake.

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