All About the Hunger Free Summer Plus Food Fight

For over 26 years, Gleaners’ annual Hunger Free Summer Food Fight invites organizations across southeast Michigan to join a friendly competition to raise food and funds for kids in need. This year, the need is even greater—as thousands of households across southeast Michigan have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Help your hungry neighbors have a healthy and happy summer!

Organizations and individuals can join the Hunger Free Summer Food Fight—on now through September 7. Head to our campaign page to find out more, sign up, or donate to our Virtual Food Drive:



As part of the Hunger Free Summer Plus campaign, the Food Fight supports Gleaners feeding programs throughout the community.

Help Feed Thousands of Households in Need

In year’s past, the Food Fight helped Gleaners provide daily meals to more than 4,000 kids through our Summer Food Service Program. This seasonal initiative helps ensure kids who rely on free and reduced-price school meals have consistent access to healthy food while school is out.

This summer—many more people need our help. The 2020 Hunger Free Summer Food Fight will support Gleaners’ emergency response efforts that are serving an average of 14,000 households each week.

“In the wake of COVID-19, many additional people are turning to Gleaners for help,” said Yolanda Baston, Food and Fund Drives Manager. “The Hunger Free Summer Food Fight competition offers a way for organizations to provide direct support for struggling families right in their own neighborhoods. It’s a fun and easy way for companies to join Gleaners and nourish the communities where we live and work.”

You Impact is Doubled!

Thanks to Citizens Bank and our generous donors, every dollar donated provides six meals! Last year, more than 40 organizations competed Food Fight teams collected over 29,273 pounds of food and $41,948—totaling more than 275,000 meals!

This is a great opportunity to make twice the impact. Help us make sure our community has a healthy, happy and hunger free summer. Join the Hunger Free Summer Food Fight!



Why local companies are joining Hunger Free Summer Food Fight:

“Food insecurity in our community was a major issue during the Great Recession, so we started a collecting food and funds for Gleaners. We continued to support the food bank during the more prosperous times that followed—because the need still existed in our community. Today, food insecurity is greater than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting pay cuts and unemployment. We are grateful for all that Gleaners does to help those in need and are happy to do our part to contribute to those efforts.”

Krysten Baligian, Managing Director, BI Worldwide

Ameriprise Financial, Michigan Complex is proud to support the Hunger Free Summer Campaign through Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan.  In these tough times we encourage all local companies to be a “Shining Star” in their community to support this worthwhile campaign.

Ameriprise Financial