About Food gatherers
Food Gatherers: Alleviating Hunger and Eliminating its Causes in Our Community
Food Gatherers is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Washtenaw County community since 1988. The organization's mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. Food Gatherers distributes millions of pounds of food to 150 non-profit programs serving low-income adults, children, and families in Washtenaw County.
The organization's vision is a hunger-free community where everyone has access to nutritious food. Food Gatherers believes that no one should go hungry, and they work tirelessly towards this goal every day.
Food insecurity is a significant issue in our society today, with millions of people struggling to put food on the table. In Washtenaw County alone, over 50,000 people are at risk of hunger every year. Food Gatherers recognizes this problem and works hard to address it by providing healthy food options for those who need it most.
One of the ways that Food Gatherers achieves its mission is through their extensive network of partner agencies. These agencies include soup kitchens, shelters, pantries, and other organizations that serve low-income individuals and families. By partnering with these organizations, Food Gatherers can distribute food more efficiently throughout the county.
In addition to distributing food through partner agencies, Food Gatherers also operates several programs designed to address specific needs within the community. For example:
- The Community Kitchen program provides hot meals for those who may not have access to cooking facilities or who are experiencing homelessness.
- The School Pantry program provides healthy snacks for students who may not have enough food at home.
- The Fresh Produce Program distributes fresh fruits and vegetables directly to individuals in need.
These programs are just a few examples of how Food Gatherers works towards their goal of eliminating hunger in our community.
Another important aspect of Food Gatherer's work is their commitment to sustainability. They recognize that reducing waste is an essential part of addressing hunger because wasted resources could be used instead to feed those in need. To this end, they operate several initiatives aimed at reducing waste:
- The RePlate program collects excess prepared foods from local restaurants and catered events for distribution through partner agencies.
- The Compost Program turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments for use by local farmers.
- The Waste Not Want Not program collects unopened packaged foods from grocery stores for distribution through partner agencies.
By reducing waste while simultaneously feeding those in need within our community - we can all make a difference together!
Overall - if you're looking for an impactful way you can help your local area - consider supporting or volunteering with "Food gatherer"! Their efforts truly make an impact on alleviating hunger & eliminating its causes within Washtenaw County!