Mar15

food gatherers.

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working with a group of like-minded helpers

we sorted through 1200+ pounds of apples

fresh from a local farm

getting them ready

to donate to our community

‘act as if what you do makes a difference. it does.’

-william james

—

Food Gatherers is the largest anti-hunger program in Washtenaw County, Michigan. We partner with a network of hunger-relief partners that includes agencies and programs providing direct food assistance through schools, clinics, low-income housing complexes, shelters, counseling programs, and faith-based organizations, as well as programs serving seniors, the disabled or those with mental illness, and substance abuse recovery programs. By providing free or very low-cost food to our partners, they can serve their communities and direct their own funds toward the vital human services they provide. 

Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. As the food bank and food rescue program serving Washtenaw County, we do this by connecting valuable food resources to programs that serve those in need. In fiscal year 2025, Food Gatherers distributed 10.3 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 8.5 million meals. This is only possible thanks to the support of many volunteers, community partners, and donors.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

More ways to give

  • By phone: Please call Food Gatherers at 734-761-2796. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  • Start a monthly donation: Join our Full Plate Partner program and provide even more nutritious food to our neighbors. Click here to start your monthly gift.
  • Donate food: Visit our Give Food page for details on our most needed food items and donation guidelines.
  • Host a food and fund drive: Want to engage your community in the fight against hunger? Click here for details on how to host an event to benefit Food Gatherers.

Food Gatherers is effective and efficient — 95% of donations go directly to hunger-relief activities in our community. Food Gatherers does not share donor names publicly without permission. 

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67 responses »

  6. Was this an extra 1200+ pounds of apples lying around? Food waste is insane and I shudder to think what might happen when surplus isn’t donated.

    Everything about this endeavor sounds terrific. I’d help sort apples too – my kind of thing.

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  7. Yes indeed, It is amazing what a small group people can do – together. Helping others get what they need. I’ve been serving at a food pantry since just before the COVID locked down. It’s best time in my week. I connect with other volunteers and our clients. One in five in our four county in suburban Chicago face food insecurity. Thank you Beth!

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  25. Terrific work, Beth. I know we feed off the energy of like-minded people. One fact that really grabbed my attention was that 95% of donations go to hunger relief activities. While I think most charities are legitimate, sadly, only a fraction of the money raised goes to the intended cause.

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    • it all helps and it takes so many people in a chain to keep it all going. this was all started years ago by a restaurant where I worked, who had the most amazing owners in the service industry I’ve ever worked for, but that is another story. in keeping with who they are, they began this program by giving all of their extra food to shelters and food banks in the county, delivered it to them, and gave it this name. they also donated 10% of all profits to them. when they became successful and the charity also grew, food gatherers became its own entity and volunteers and a very few paid workers kept it going as it continued to grow and serve the community. they now serve 140 different places and causes here, along with community gardens where they use the compost which is generated from fresh food that is no longer able to be donated. I’m happy to do my tiny part to help –

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