It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own holiday excitement without stopping to consider those in our community who may be less fortunate. Around Ann Arbor and Wasthenaw County, there are numerous ways to give back this holiday season:
Food Gatherers: A food bank program that aims to eliminate hunger in Washtenaw County, Food Gatherers works with various food stores and marketplaces in the area, especially during the holiday season. Volunteer at the Food Gatherers warehouse any day of the week, and contribute to moving an average of 9 tons of food daily.
Location: 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor.
Busch’s Stores: Give a cash or food donation while shopping at one of Busch’s several fresh food markets in Ann Arbor. Pre-assembled foods bags, as well as coupons for food items like meat and produce, can also be purchased for $5 – $10. All donations will go to Food Gatherers.
Closest location: 2240 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor.
Whole Foods: Support Feed 4 More, a program aimed at feeding hungry families of four, by donating at Whole Foods. All proceeds will go to Food Gatherers.
Location: 3135 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor.
Photo by Annie Madole
GFS Marketplace: Donate canned goods, turkey or ham at GFS Marketplace, which offers readily available meat, pork and poultry to its customers. All donations will go to Food Gatherers.
Location: 3800 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti.
Meijer: Donate $10 at the register of any Washtenaw County Meijer store location. Every donation will be transformed into a Meijer gift card to be distributed through Food Gatherers.
Closest location: 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor.
Kroger: This year, Kroger will be hosting its annual outdoor food and fund drive from December 4th-8th. The drive will broadcast live on Ann Arbor’s 107.1, featuring the radio station’s main talk show hosts. You can get involved in several different ways: (1) drop off food or cash donations, (2) purchase food to donate, or (3) make a donation at the register of any Washtenaw County Kroger location.
Locations include, but are not limited to: 400 S Maple Rd, 2641 Plymouth Rd, and 1919 S. Industrial Hwy Ann Arbor.
Photo by Annie Madole
Salvation Army: Donate $50 the Salvation Army right here in Ann Arbor and help feed a hungry child for an entire week.
Location: 100 Arbana Drive, Ann Arbor.
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Photo by Annie Madole