Nonprofit Spotlight
During November and December our Nonprofit Spotlight is on Food Gatherers!
Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community.
In Washtenaw County, food insecurity is affecting more individuals than we’ve seen in over a decade. 1 in 7 of our neighbors may not have sufficient nutritious food to live a healthy life. At Food Gatherers, they believe that food is a basic human right and are distributing record amounts of food.
Since donated food stays fairly static year after year (around 50% of our total food sourcing) and federal resources have decreased, Food Gatherers is purchasing more food than ever at higher costs to keep pace with the elevated need. They are grateful for the support of this amazing community, which makes it possible to sustain and grow their programs in times of greater need.
Details
Events to support Food Gatherers
Rockin' for the Hungry
December 2, 2025–December 6, 2025
Join on December 2nd-6th for the 36th annual Rockin’ for the Hungry! This year the goal is to raise 1,500,000 meals as they broadcast live on ann arbor’s 107one from the Westgate Kroger. The food and funds donated during Rockin’ will help our neighbors facing food insecurity in Washtenaw County. Together we are transforming food access to ensure that everyone has the food they need to thrive. Thank you for fighting hunger where we live!
ZMO Warehouse Shop Fundraiser Sale for FG
December 5, 2025
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 5th! 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
Rockin' for the Hungry is back for its 36th year! Join on December 2-6 in partnership with Ann Arbor's 107.1 and Kroger as they raise 1.5 million meals for our community. You'll even hear from some Zingerman's folks live on the air!
As food insecurity continues to rise in Washtenaw County, we must provide more food to meet the need. The Food Gatherers goal has increased this year to reflect that sobering reality, and we hope our community will help them reach 1.5 million meals.
More information is available at www.foodgatherers.org/rockin
Other Support You Can Give
You can always donate at foodgatherers.org!
And anyone can donate non-perishable food items and fresh produce at their warehouse. Check out their list of Most Needed Food Items for ideas at https://www.foodgatherers.org/get-involved/donatepage/give-food/.
Drop-off instructions:
They accept donations of food (perishable and non-perishable) and personal care items at their warehouse located at 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
When you arrive, pull up to the donation drop-off sign and call the warehouse at 734-761-2796 to let them know you have arrived. A staff member will come out and take the food from your car.
You can also volunteer!
Food Gatherers maintains a working warehouse, processing an average of nine tons of food each day, and a busy Community Kitchen, cooking and serving hot meals seven days a week. Volunteers are vital to their success in distributing more than 10.3 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 8.5 million meals — each year. They hope you will join them to make a difference and have fun!
You can sign up to volunteer at www.foodgatherers.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Resources Offered
Last year Food Gatherers distributed a record 10.3 million pounds of food to our community through our programs and through their network of 140 partner programs and organizations. More than 60% of the food they distributed was either protein or produce.
People looking for food can access a full list of available food pantries and distributions on our website, at foodgatherers.org/foodresources.
Why Zing Loves FG
Food Gatherers began back in 1988 right around Thanksgiving time when some Zingerman's staff recognized the need for food distribution and wanted to support the community that had been so essential to our success. 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.
We know that a growing and alarming number of people are facing food scarcity, despite there being an abundance of food wasted in our communities. The crucial work that Food Gatherers does to bring these nutritional meals to the people that need them means that not only is perfectly good food not thrown away, but it's brought to the people that need a great meal. With major cuts for many to necessary benefits as well as an increasingly challenging economy, too many people are struggling to find access to food - inarguably one of the most essential things for survival - causing children, families, and individuals to be put in dire circumstances.
The holiday season is often a special time for many to gather together, celebrate, and eat well. If you're in a position to help others right now, we implore you to do so. And if you're needing these resources, please don't hesitate to find support through Food Gatherers or one of the many organizations they distribute to. Everyone deserves the comfort and security of a regular, nutritious meals.