Annual ‘Rockin’ for the Hungry’ raises more than 1 million meals for Washtenaw County families

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Food Gatherers’ biggest food and fund drive of the year has raised enough to provide 1,077,814 meals for Washtenaw County residents experiencing food insecurity.

“Rockin’ for the Hungry,” an annual 5-day radio broadcast, saw local personalities from ann arbor’s 107one, legislators and volunteers take to the mic to help raise donations.

The live broadcast took place outside the Kroger at 400 S. Maple Rd. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2.

Eileen Spring of Food Gatherer and ann arbors 107one’s Mark Copeland at the 2023 Rockin’ for the Hungry. (Food Gatherers)

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Food Gatherers officials said the nonprofit saw a 93 percent increase in visits to its 140 partnering food pantries and programs in 2023, a rise the organization attributes to the end of federally-supported pandemic relief programs and inflation.

While it can usually support three meals with every dollar donated, the organization recently saw that amount drop to just two meals per dollar.

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“Each year, we work hard to raise one million meals but this year, when we accounted for the increased cost of food, we knew we would need to work harder to meet our goal,” said Eileen Spring, Food Gatherers President and CEO, in a release.

“Getting to our goal was harder this year and beating it is a testament to our community’s commitment to helping their neighbors,” she said.

This year, students at Community High School gave $71,351 — the fundraiser’s largest gift — which will provide 142,702 meals to hungry community members before being matched by local funding partners.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who stepped up to donate, volunteer, and support the fight against hunger during this critical time,” said Spring. “Together we are ensuring that everyone in Washtenaw County can access the food they need to care for themselves and their loved ones and have a healthy new year.”

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Items and funds donated to “Rockin’ for the Hungry” were matched by local partnering organizations, including Kroger, Bank of Ann Arbor, Destination Ann Arbor, Thomson Reuters and private families.

Find resources supported by Food Gatherers online here or by calling 734-761-2796.