The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation Inc. awarded $20,000 to Food Gatherers, the food bank and food rescue program serving Washtenaw County, to support their response to increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is part of $75,000 in additional gifting by Kiwanis to local organizations to address community needs caused by the pandemic.
“We are grateful for the Kiwanis Club’s commitment to help our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Eileen Spring, President and CEO of Food Gatherers. “COVID-19 has added extra hardship for families facing food insecurity. The grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor will provide critical support to meet an unprecedented increase in need.”
The grant will support the important services Food Gatherers provides to alleviate food insecurity for children and families in Washtenaw County through its network of 170 partner programs. Since mid-march, Food Gatherers’ network of partners have reported a 30%-300% increase in visitors. Partner programs include food pantries, meal programs, and emergency grocery services that help food insecure individuals and families who do not have reliable access to nutritious food.
The Kiwanis Thrift Sale has also announced its reopening after temporarily closing in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after remodeling and the implementation of additional safety and health procedures, it will be open on Saturdays only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of items can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for action to address hunger, housing, and care for members of our community,” said Dana A. Denver, Immediate Past President, Ann Abor Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc. “We are all fortunate that Food Gatherers works every day to alleviate hunger and partner with others to address the need for food assistance, bringing together multiple groups and individuals for concerted action. Kiwanis,
through its COVID Relief Committee Grants, is honored to assist in these efforts, having made four special grants to specific organizations providing food, housing, medical care, general assistance and child care to families and children in our community. By acting together, may we benefit not only those receiving help, but also those giving of their efforts and themselves. We are stronger, and we all are better, together rather than standing to the side, or standing alone.”
Do you know someone who needs food? Please call 734-761-2796 or visit foodgatherers.org/needfood for a list of free resources, including home delivery. To learn more about Food Gatherers COVID-19 response, visit foodgatherers.org/COVID19.
About Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County. As the food bank and food rescue program for the county, we distribute more than 7.8 million pounds of food to 170 non-profit programs serving low-income adults, seniors, and children every year. For a list of our partner programs, or to learn how you can become involved in the fight against hunger locally, please visit www.foodgatherers.org or call 734-761-2796.
About Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor
The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor includes 130 members and 175 volunteers dedicated to serving the children and families of our community. For information about Kiwanis, its Kiwanis Thrift Sale, becoming a volunteer and/or member, please contact Mary Schwartz, Kiwanis Administrative Assistant at 734-368-9738, or visit our website at www.a2kiwanis.org or the Kiwanis Thrift Sale Facebook page.
