NOVI, Mich. – Gleaners and Kroger are starting a month-long food drive this weekend at Michigan Kroger stores in Wayne, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Livingston counties.
One of every six people in Michigan struggles with hunger. Kroger shoppers can help the Gleaners community food bank feed hungry people and families by donating non-perishable food items at 91 Kroger stores in southeast Michigan on Saturdays and Sundays from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1.
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The food collection weekends are part of Kroger's annual "Bringing Hope to the Table" campaign. Gleaners volunteers will collect food at scheduled Kroger stores Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Sundays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Here are the dates for the food drive at each county:
Wayne County (26 stores), this Saturday and Sunday
Macomb County (20 stores), Jan. 17 & 18
Oakland County (28 stores), Jan. 24 & 25
Monroe, Livingston and select Wayne County stores (17 stores), Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
Customers may contribute canned goods or personal items during the donation weekends. You can also pick up a special scan card at the Kroger register to make a cash donation, with 100 percent of all contributions benefiting Gleaners.
"A can or two of food or a small cash contribution multiplies exponentially during our ‘Bringing Hope to the Table' food and fundraising events," said Ken McClure, communications manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. "Working together, we can fill the empty grocery carts to help feed thousands of friends and neighbors in need during Michigan's cold winter months."
Gleaners volunteers will place empty carts inside Kroger store vestibules to collect customer food donations. They will also distribute lists of required foods and personal items. Customers are asked to contribute foods and other items in boxes, cans or plastic containers as glass containers often break during transit.
The following items top the Gleaners' list of needed foods:
- Canned meats and fish
- Canned fruits
- Hearty soups
- Canned spaghetti, pasta, noodles, macaroni and rice
- Baby foods and formula
- Ensure and other nutritional supplement drinks
- Powdered milk
- Pancake and baking mixes
- Cereal, oatmeal and granola bars
- Peanut butter and jelly
Personal items requested include toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shaving cream, diapers, shampoo and disposable razors.
"During cold winter months, many people struggle to pay the heat bill and keep food on the table," said Gleaners President Gerry Brisson. "When forced to choose, food usually loses and people go hungry. But thanks to Kroger and its customers, Gleaners can make sure thousands in our community get the food they need to survive. I hope people will give generously and bring hope to our hungry neighbors."