Last call: Food drive to benefit Washtenaw County community ends Sept. 26

The ongoing Michigan Medicine food drive to benefit the Washtenaw County community in partnership with Food Gatherers ends this weekend! Since the drive began at the end of August, nearly $10,000 have been raised. When that figure is added to 1,580 pounds of non-perishable food items donated by faculty, staff and community members, more than 31,000 meals will be provided for neighbors in need.

Additionally, more than 1,600 pounds of toiletries and supplies 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.

Why the drive is so important

As we head into the fall and the new school year gets rolling, one thing is clear: children need consistent access to nutritious food to achieve their goals.

But right now, the number of children and families experiencing food insecurity in the community remains high. Teachers will tell you that hungry kids face more difficulties during the school day. They can’t concentrate and are more likely to be sick or face emotional stress.

That’s where you come in!

In addition to the online or phone giving options, you can 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. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends. Volunteers from across Michigan Medicine will be available to help unload donations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 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