ANN ARBOR — Rockin’ for the Hungry, Food Gatherers’ largest food and fund drive hosted by ann arbor’s 107one and Kroger, successfully raised more than one million meals to fight hunger in Washtenaw County.
Community members donated enough food and funds to provide the equivalent of 1,077,814 meals for Washtenaw County residents facing food insecurity.
The five-day live radio broadcast launched on Giving Tuesday. Food Gatherers staff,
volunteers, and 107one radio personalities were “freezin’ for a reason” to collect donations while broadcasting live outside the Kroger store at 400 S. Maple Rd.
The food and funds raised during the event fuel Food Gatherers’ network of more than 140 hunger-relief partners providing groceries and meals to anyone in need in Washtenaw County. Last year Food Gatherers distributed 7.8 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 6.5 million meals.
In 2023, Food Gatherers saw a 93% increase in visits to its high-capacity pantry partners compared to the same period in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Food Gatherers attributes the increase in need to inflation and the end of federal pandemic-era relief programs.
Rising prices impact Food Gatherers’ food sourcing costs. “Each year, we work hard to raise one million meals but this year, when we accounted for the increased cost of food, we knew we would need to work harder to meet our goal,” says Food Gatherers President and CEO Eileen Spring.
Normally, Food Gatherers can provide the equivalent of three meals for every dollar donated but due to inflation, it is now two meals. “Getting to our goal was harder this year and beating it is a testament to our community’s commitment to helping their neighbors,” says Spring.
Donations made during the event were matched by local sponsors including Kroger; The Harold and Kay Peplau Family Fund; Bank of Ann Arbor; Cardamom Restaurant; Destination Ann Arbor; Old National Bank; Thomson Reuters; Cindy and John Nixon; Bruce and Mona Auerbach; and the Brummett, Edelman, & Giordano-Woodcock Families.
Community High School announced that they raised $71,351 dollars during their annual fundraiser, providing the equivalent of 142,702 meals toward the goal before being matched.
“We are truly grateful to everyone who stepped up to donate, volunteer, and support the fight against hunger during this critical time,” says Spring. “Together we are ensuring that everyone in Washtenaw County can access the food they need to care for themselves and their loved ones and have a healthy new year”.
About Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes in Washtenaw County. Last year, our food bank and food rescue program distributed 7.8 million pounds of food to more than 140 non-profit programs serving adults, seniors, and children. 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.
