Food Gatherers awarded $100,000 grant to boost emergency food purchasing
Ann Arbor — Food Gatherers, the food bank and food rescue program in Ann Arbor is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. Funds from the grant will support Food Gatherers’ mission to eliminate hunger and alleviate its causes by providing funds for emergency food purchasing. The $100,000 grant comes at a critical time.
“The skyrocketing cost of food means that our neighbors are turning to their local food pantries and meal programs to fill the gaps,” says Eileen Spring, President and CEO of Food Gatherers. “But we are also feeling the pinch of inflation as we try to meet this increased need.”
Last year, Food Gatherers spent double the amount of money on meat in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021. Other operational expenses like cardboard boxes for food and fuel for the trucks also rose dramatically in 2022.
And as pandemic programs that offered emergency food subsidies come to an end, Food Gatherers is purchasing more food to continue to meet the ongoing need.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. With their support we will have the necessary resources to help more families access free, nutritious food in 2023 and beyond,” said Spring.
The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation is dedicated to positively transforming lives through grants focused on health, youth, and animal welfare. At the height of the pandemic, the foundation also awarded grants to support Food Gatherers’ emergency COVID relief activities, the Healthy School Pantry Program, and the Food Gatherers Community Kitchen.
About Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes in Washtenaw County. Last year, our food bank and food rescue program distributed 7.3 million pounds of food to more than 170 non-profit programs serving adults, seniors and children. For a list of our partner programs or to learn how you can become involved in the fight against hunger locally, please visit www.foodgatherers.org or call 734-761-2796.
