You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 10:13 a.m.

Food Gatherers optimistic about reaching 200 ton Rockin' for the Hungry goal

By Julie Baker

With food and fund totals slightly behind last year's pace, Rockin' for the Hungry is pressing forward, and organizers say they still think they'll reach the 200 ton goal of donated food.

120711_NEWS_Rocking_MRM_01.JPG

Food Gatherer's chief program offficer Missy Orge smiles as she chats on-air with 107one radio host Martin Bandyke during the first day of Rockin' for the Hungry food drive for Food Gatherer's at Kroger on Maple in Ann Arbor on Wednesday morning.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

As of 9:30 a.m. Saturday, the outdoor food drive had gathered about 86 tons for Food Gatherers. AnnArbor.com is tracking the progress toward meeting that goal on a carrot-o-meter, which will be updated regularly throughout the drive.

"We are feeling optimistic. Our food and fund totals are slightly lagging behind last year's pace," said Mary Schlitt, director of development for Food Gatherers. "However, Saturday and Sunday are big shopping days, so we hope that folks will come out and see us and make a gift of cash or food."

The five-day food drive kicked off Wednesday and runs through Sunday afternoon. Hosts from Ann Arbor's 107one are broadcasting live outside the Kroger store at 400 S. Maple Road in shifts. Food or cash donations are being collected at all Kroger locations within Washtenaw County.

Hunger facts from Food Gatherers:

  • 47,890 individuals are "food insecure" in Washtenaw County, according to the Meal the Gap project.
  • For $35, you can feed a hungry child in our community for one month.
  • $1,000 feeds 100 people for one month at Food Gatherers Community Kitchen

Comments

DDOT1962

Sun, Dec 11, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.

I'll donate $1.00 every time they bite their tongue and forego using the term "food insecure" in place of "hungry" or "underfed/nourished". Geez, talk about politically correct terminology...

moveon2011

Sun, Dec 11, 2011 : 3:42 a.m.

Please for all you charity /food drives / please include calling your governor Snyder and tell HIm to quit CUTTING the foodstamps/snap Budget .it has been cut twice this years. Our vetreans only get $ 10.00 a months .... The federeal goverment iusses... USDA ..$ 9.00 a day ...but Gov. Synder has it cut to $ 3.00 a day...It is better for the vetreans and the senior to buy /choice there own Food and have the meat that they need .. to many groceriestore( 6 in Ypsilanti ) are closed . Also buy Donating the canned food YOU support the BIG companies del Monte etc .etc They have there warhouse clear and still get sudzdie from Congress this years and next...plus they get to write-off Charity on there TAXES ..etc etc.. STOP the CAN....

justcurious

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

Thank you for all the work you do Food Gatherers, and thanks to all that contribute. God Bless you!

xmo

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.

Thank Goodness we have the 1% that can afford to provide for the needs of others! This really is Un-American reducing the amount of food collected this year for this project.