Kids are powered by food in school and beyond!

"What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question we often ask kids, who have their whole lives ahead of them. The first step to achieving their dreams is success in school – but kids can't learn on an empty stomach.  

Unfortunately, far too many kids in our community are at risk of missing out on the meals they need to thrive. Right here in Southeast Michigan, 1 in 5 children do not have enough nutritious food to eat. 

Family budgets were already stretched paper thin this year, with the rising costs of basic needs like food – and then in March, important pandemic programs ended. It’s as if the rug was taken out from underneath them.  

“It’s getting to a point where inflation is unreasonable,” said Lisa, a mother who has been visiting Gleaners’ mobile food distributions since January to feed her family. “We’ve been buying less meat, and more food that isn’t always good for you. It’s cheaper to eat unhealthy, unfortunately.” 

But parents like Lisa know they can count on Gleaners to help make ends meet – and right now, your donation will go TWICE as far, thanks to a match incentive by PNC, Delta Air Lines, TNG Worldwide, Kroger, and a group of generous donors.  

“I have appreciated the fruit from Gleaners, and the potatoes are helpful,” Lisa said. “The milk definitely makes a difference too because that went up significantly this year at the grocery store.”   

Food is fuel. Food is focus. Food is hope. Your gift to Gleaners today will have 2X the impact of putting wholesome, nourishing food on the table for kids so they can go to school with full stomachs, healthy bodies, and minds that are ready to learn.  

Lisa says her seven-year-old daughter has big ambitions for the future. 

“Every other day, it’s something different about what she wants to be when she grows up!” Lisa said with a loving smile. “To be honest, she wants to be a flooring installer because that’s what her dad does. So that’s where we’re at! That’s what she knows.” 

Kids are powered by food, and we are powered by you. Every $1 you donate to Gleaners will provide six meals. Please make a gift today so we can continue to distribute nutritious meals through our 400-partner strong network of food pantries, schools, shelters, and other agencies, along with our own mobile food distribution sites.  

By doubling your gift to Gleaners, you're not only providing nourishment for children, but you're also helping them focus in school, achieve their dreams, and become the future leaders of our world. Please give generously today!