Food drive has raised equivalent of 26,500+ meals — and there’s still time to play your part!

The ongoing Michigan Medicine food drive to benefit Food Gatherers is going strong! Since the drive began at the end of August, nearly $8,500 have been raised. When that figure is added to nearly 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items donated by faculty, staff and community members, more than 26,500 meals will be provided for neighbors in need.

Additionally, more than 360 pounds of toiletries have been collected.

You still have time to increase those totals! The drive will be ongoing through Sept. 26 and is open to all U-M faculty, staff and students, and members of the community who are in a position to give.

Donors may give online via credit card, or get information about giving by mail or phone, at foodgatherers.org/um.

Donors may also drive up to drop off food and toiletries at Dock 90 of U-M’s North Campus Research Complex, at 2800 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor, just off Huron Parkway. Donations can be left between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekends except for Labor Day weekend. Volunteers from across Michigan Medicine will be available to help unload donations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends.

More about donating:

• Cash donations give Food Gatherers the most flexibility, including buying in bulk at reduced prices. Every dollar donated can buy three meals thanks to the organization’s purchasing strategy.
• Donors should not bring cash or gift cards to the drive-up location.
• For the drop-off donation site, donors are asked to avoid giving items that are perishable (fresh or frozen), expired, already opened or packed in glass.
• Gardeners with extra produce to give, and those with perishable items to donate, may bring them to the Food Gatherers headquarters at 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor. More information is available here.
• PPE for Michigan Medicine is not needed at this time.

Most-needed items: 

(low/no sodium canned food and foods made from whole grains are preferred)

• Hearty soups (beef stew, chili, etc.) 
• Canned meats (tuna fish, chicken, etc.) 
• Canned vegetables
• Packaged pasta & rice 
• Whole grain cereal & oatmeal 
• Baking & cooking supplies (flour, sugar, oil, etc.) 
• Condiments 
• Nut butters or jelly 
• Kid-friendly snacks (granola bars, goldfish, etc.) 
• Baby food & formula 
• Ensure & other nutritional supplement drinks 
• Baby items (diapers, wipes, etc.) 
• Soap & shampoo 
• Toothpaste & toothbrushes 
• Disposable razors