Food Gatherers employee Eric Marria rolls two full grovery carts of donated food through the Busch's parking lot to several storage bins set up in the parking lot for this year's Rockin' for the Hungry.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Derek Johnson made a little detour on this morning’s commute to work.

Heeding the appeal to donate to the Rockin’ for the Hungry food drive, Johnson went to Busch’s on South Main Street to present a cash donation to a Food Gatherers representative set up with the broadcast team from ann arbor's 107one. 

Once again, the station is promoting the annual event with live broadcasts from outside Busch’s front door.

“I heard Martin Bandyke on the radio,” said Johnson, a software engineer for Advantage Computing Systems. “He’s such a great presence in Ann Arbor. Anything for Martin Bandyke. There’s never a negative word out of his mouth.”

Well before going on the air at 6 a.m., Bandyke and the station’s team prepared in the cold and dark to kick off the campaign, which ends Sunday at 5 p.m.

This meter will be updated throughout the campaign.

Eight storage units in the parking lot attested to Food Gatherers’ goal of bringing in 200 tons of food during the campaign. Busch’s participation includes the offering of pre-bagged quantities customers can purchase for $10 and give to program.

Busch’s also accepts financial contributions and the donation of nonperishable food items at its 15 stores.

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is participating Friday, when it will award a token good for one bus ride in return for the donation of 10 pounds of food. The token could also be given to a needy recipient.

Missy Orge, Food Gatherers’ director of outreach and training, who also helped with this morning’s campaign kick-off, said the present need is especially acute.

“The food and funds that we raise at this event typically sustain us to March and April,” Orge said. “Unfortunately, it’s going out much faster [this year], so the programs that depend on us, depend on us more.”

She credited the radio station with adding extra potency to the campaign. “Having Martin and his background of doing on-air fundraising - he’s really great,” she said.

Although the morning was mild compared to the single-digit readings during last year’s opener, Bandkye was still dressed like a polar explorer, with multiple layers of clothing and a heavy pair of boots that blocked the cold from the pavement.

“Martin wears headphones for warmth,” Orge kidded.

Also among the early donors were Dianne Guzek and her three children, ranging in age from 6 to 11, who received a lesson about charity while on their way to Rudolf Steiner School.

Guzek said the family lives nearby and stopped to buy molasses for gingerbread. She knew beforehand about the campaign and made a donation.

For their generosity, the Guzeks received an unexpected premium: five tickets to Handel’s “Messiah” this weekend at Hill Auditorium.

Update: By the end of Wednesday, a total of 17 tons had been collected, according to Food Gatherers.

• Find out more about Rockin' for the Hungry.