Rockin' for the Hungry, Washtenaw County's largest outdoor food drive, aims to collect 200 tons of donated food this year between Wednesday and Sunday.

The food drive will be held this year at Kroger, 400 S. Maple Rd., where area residents can purchase food or make a cash donation at the register from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, according to a Food Gatherers news release.

Ann Arbor's 107one will broadcast live from the event.

Rockin' for the Hungry, shown in this 2009 file photo, is set to start Wednesday.

“Gifts from Rockin’ help us provide food to our partners and the hungry people they serve through the winter months,” Eileen Spring, Food Gatherers president and CEO, said in a news release. “Food drive donations are down 33 percent compared to last year, and we are hoping that with the support of our community, we can help close that gap.”

More than 43,900 people receive emergency food annually through Food Gatherers' network of food pantries and meal sites, according to the release.

Foods high in protein, canned and dry foods are especially needed. Some suggestions include tuna, soup, stew, chili, corned beef, roast beef hash, kidney, pinto, refried, black and green beans, rice noodles, peanut butter, baby formula, and nutritional supplement drinks such as Ensure or Boost.

Cash donations made during the drive will be 50 percent matched by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan through an Emergency Food and Shelter Matching Grant, according to the release. All donations are tax-deductible and qualify for a state of Michigan tax credit.

Though the South Maple Road location will be the official site for the food drive, all Kroger locations in Washtenaw County will accept donations made at the register during the drive.

Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.