• End Hunger
• Food Distribution
  • Food Distribution Graphic
• Government Programs
• Education & Training
  • Operation Frontline
  • Kids Helping Kids
  • Speakers Bureau
• Hunger Stories
• Hunger Facts
  • Regional Stats
  • MI Stats
  • National Stats
  • Hunger Study
• Other Partners in Our Mission

Kids Helping Kids^®

Hunger can be reduced by the deeds of children. That was the philosophy of Gleaners' board members Kathryn Michalak and Ruth Ellen Mayhall, who together with staffers Peg Roberts and Jack Griffo developed the Kids Helping Kids^® Hunger Awareness Program in 1986 and presented the idea of involving school-age children in hunger relief to Detroit area schools.

KHK Overview

Today KHK invites students to Gleaners for education and volunteerism. The educational focus is on the importance of good nutrition and hunger awareness. Over the years, KHK has introduced thousands of school-aged children to community service benefitting Southeastern Michigan.

Students visiting Gleaners begin with an introduction to the history of the food bank and a tour of the warehouse, a half-hour education session, followed by a hands-on experience that supports Gleaners' mission. Learn more about the KHK program »

In addition to the traditional KHK opportunities for groups offered to our Detroit, Pontiac and Warren facilities, Gleaners is also pleased to offer a monthly KHK Family Day. Learn more about how you can get involved.

KHK for Kids

Kids from schools all over southeastern Michigan have joined Gleaners in the fight against hunger. Our KHK for Kids page is the place for young students to learn more about hunger in America and your neighborhood, what happens to your school abilities when you're hungry, what Gleaners does to help the hungry, and how you can help.

KHK for Teachers

Kids Helping Kids^® for Teachers & Parents offers educators and parents the answers they need to talk to children about the issue of hunger in our community. Information about who the hungry really are in America, along with interesting and thought-provoking classroom activities, will help you talk about hunger. You will also find the story of Gleaners, facts about hunger from recent national and local surveys, along with links to online and downloadable puzzles and games for kids. All of these resources will help you better explain hunger issues for inquisitive students and children.

KHK KidSnack Program

In September 1999, Ms. Jacqueline Jones, a guidance counselor at Pitcher Elementary School in Detroit, placed a call to Gleaners Community Food Bank. She wanted a speaker to address her students about what it is that we do at Gleaners. Before ending the call, Ms. Jones mentioned that some of her students came to school hungry. That spark ignited the idea of KidSnack. Visit the Kids Helping Kids^® KidSnack Program page to learn the history of KidSnack and to download the forms needed while participating in the program.

KHK Real Life Examples

Many students and school groups have demonstrated great concern for the hungry in our community. Some have found inventive ways to help reduce the problem of hunger. See our Kids Helping Kids^® Real Life Examples page for details.

Guest Speaker Program

The Program Coordinators of Kids Helping Kids^®, are available to address school groups about Gleaners' mission to combat hunger and how the community can get involved. In Detroit, contact Pertrine Rambus at 866-GLEANER, ext. 231, or email detkhk@gcfb.org. In Oakland and Macomb, contact Sarah Shannon at 866-GLEANER, ext. 403, or oakkhk@gcfb.org.

The Summer Empty Bowls Project

By appointment only, Gleaners hosts "The Summer Empty Bowls" project, a program in which a potter assists school age participants (ages 5 17) in making one clay bowl for themselves and one for Gleaners. This fun filled day includes a tour and an informative discussion on hunger and nutrition. This program occurs on Tuesdays only, contact Petrine Rambus at 866-GLEANER, ext. 231, to register. Minimum participants: 10; maximum 25, an adult chaperone is required. Includes costs materials and instructions.

Visit our Summer Empty Bowls Project page to see how you can be a part of this great project.

Get Involved With KHK!

Gleaners' Kids Helping Kids^® combines a food bank tour with volunteerism and education. Groups of school-aged children, between 10-30 in size, are eligible to participate. One adult chaperone is required for every 10 kids.

To ensure a quality experience for your group, all KHK programs are by appointment. Scout badges are available for $1.50 each (3" x 3").

KHK programming is offered in Detroit Tuesday-Thursday mornings and all-day Saturday. Contact Program Coordinator Pertrine Rambus at 866-GLEANER, ext. 231, or fill out the Detroit KHK Sign-Up Sheet for Groups.

For KHK in Oakland or Macomb counties, contact Program Coordinator Sarah Shannon at 866-GLEANER, ext. 403, or fill out the Oakland/Warren KHK Sign-Up Sheet for Groups.

Not part of a group, but interested in the KHK program? The third Saturday of each month is Family Day at our Detroit Distribution Center (1:00-3:30 p.m). To learn more, contact Pertrine Rambus at 866-GLEANER, ext. 231, or fill out the KHK Family Day Sign-Up Sheet.

• Donate!
• Volunteer!
• Need Food Now?
• Hunger Stories…