December's Nonprofit Spotlight is on Food Gatherers!
Food Gatherers is the food bank and food rescue program serving Washtenaw County and the largest hunger-relief program in our community. Food Gatherers supports a network of more than 140 food distributions that help connect people facing food insecurity with free, nutritious groceries and meals.
Last year they distributed 7.8 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 6.5 million meals — through their network of partner programs. They also operate several large direct service programs including the Food Gatherers Community Kitchen, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Healthy School Pantry Program; and work closely with community schools, universities, and healthcare providers to address gaps in services. Because hunger will not be solved with food alone, they advocate for policies and system changes to create an equitable food system.
Zingerman’s is featuring this extraordinary organization once again this holiday season to celebrate our 35 year partnership working to ensure everyone in our community has access to delicious and nutritious food.
We need Food Gatherers more than ever. In July 2023, high-capacity pantries served a total of 5,374 households, a 93% increase from the 2,778 households served in July 2021, when federal programs targeted to address food insecurity and poverty were still active. The surge in need for food assistance is fueled by the end of these pandemic-related federal benefits and record-high inflation, which increased the cost of food, housing, and other essentials. Visits to hunger-relief programs rose sharply this spring, as a result of a decrease in SNAP benefits that took effect in March 2023. Food Gatherers’ distribution of food has increased to meet this spike in need. Monthly distribution totals are now on par with what Food Gatherers was distributing during the early days of the pandemic.
Details
Events to support Food Gatherers
Rockin for the Hungry
November 28, 2023–December 2, 2023
Donate online by clicking the links on this page or go to FoodGatherer.org/Rockin to learn more and donate. By phone: Call 734-761-2796 from Nov. 28-Dec. 2 By check: Mail a check made out to Food Gatherers (with “Rockin’” on memo line) to PO Box 131037, Ann Arbor, MI 48113. In-person at Kroger: We’ll be freezin’ for a reason as FG collects donations and broadcasts live outside the Kroger store at 400 S. Maple Rd in Ann Arbor from 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m (Nov 28-Dec 2). Drop-off your donation of food or funds and say hello to the volunteers! Live broadcast schedule Food Gatherers and ann arbor’s 107one radio hosts are “Rockin’ for the Hungry” with a 5-day broadcast live from Kroger on Maple Rd. Hear live interviews with community partners, program highlights, donor-sponsored power hours, and LOTS of great music! Listen live on www.annarbors107one.com (107.1 FM) and follow along on the Food Gatherers Facebook page for updates.
Zingerman's Mail Order Warehouse Shop Fundraiser Sale
December 8, 2023
9:00 am –9:00 pm
Come to Zingerman's Mail Order's Warehouse Shop at 710 Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor on Friday, December 8th! All of the sales that day from the in-person shop will be donated to Food Gatherers! The shop is open from 9am to 9pm. Shop for some amazing deals to fill your stockings or fill out your holiday meals, find great gifts and thoughtful snacks to bring hosts or family members - all for a fantastic cause!
Rockin for the Hungry
We jumped right back in with 'Rockin' this year, the annual fundraiser for Food Gatherers wherein they work to raise 1 million meals! This year Rockin for the Hungry is once again 'freezin for a reason' in front of Kroger on S. Maple Rd in Ann Arbor with 107one doing a live radio broadcast to raise awareness daily from 6am to 7pm throughout Rockin - Nov 28th - Dec 2nd. Tune into the broadcast and you're likely to hear from some Zingerman's folks randomly throughout the week too!
If you miss Rockin this year, you can still donate to Food Gatherers by bringing food donations directly to FG or by donating online. More food donation details below.
Other ways to support
Food Gatherers gratefully accepts donations of funds and food to support their mission.
Food Gatherers accepts food donations, including fresh produce, which can be delivered to their warehouse at 1 Carrot Way in Ann Arbor 48105 between 9:00am and 4:45pm Monday through Friday. To learn more about their most needed food items, check out their website.
You can also learn more about their volunteer opportunities at foodgatherers.org/get-involved/volunteer for a really rewarding experience!
Facts about FG
Food Gatherers works with a network of 140+ pantries, meal programs, and emergency grocery distributions across Washtenaw County to provide free food to anyone who needs it. If you or someone you know is looking for free groceries please visit their website (foodgatherers.org) or call 734-761-2796 to find a distribution near you.
In 2023, FG distributed 6.5 million meals or 7.8 million pounds of food. Additionally, they work as advocates to eliminate the causes of food insecurity by partnering with local healthcare providers to spot the signs of issues, educating the community about nutrition, and making sure the quality of food redistributed is of a high quality and healthy so that the recipients are getting food that will truly serve them. In this past year, Food Gatherers provided 56,000 individuals with groceries, meals, and nutrition resources.
Why Zing loves FG
Zingerman's has a close historical tie to Food Gatherers, in fact, it began back in 1988 around Thanksgiving when some folks at Zingerman's recognized there was need in the community and wanted to give back. But since then, Food Gatherers has become a much larger operation, functioning independently from Zing, as a nonprofit, working with many other wonderful local restaurants, grocery stores, and other community partners.
It's truly an honor to continue supporting this great organization. As the demand for support in our community (unfortunately) grows more and more, we are grateful to have a place like Food Gatherers that has continually risen to meet the needs of so many people. But for them to continue into the future, they need support too. So please, if you're able, join us this holiday season by generously giving to Food Gatherers.