Children across Metro Detroit have started back to school, building on the knowledge they gained last year. However, not all of these kids will arrive at school with full stomachs. Over 300,000 local kids rely on free or reduced-fee meals during the school year, and they often miss meals over the weekend.
To tackle this problem, Gleaners Community Food Bank has partnered with Weingartz, Michigan’s family-owned and locally operated provider of outdoor power equipment, for the 6th annual Mow Down Hunger campaign.
“As we kick off the 6th year of the Mow Down Hunger campaign, I am excited for the outpouring of support that we receive from our customers, employees and communities,” said President Dan Weingartz. “We are blessed and honored to be the matching sponsor for this program and look forward to another successful campaign and providing another one million meals.”
The campaign runs from Monday, Sept. 14 through Tuesday, Oct. 6. During the campaign, Weingartz will match every donation made with a goal of providing one million meals to hungry kids. Last year, the Mow Down Hunger campaign helped Gleaners provide 1.8 million meals to Michigan children.
“The Weingartz family’s commitment and passion to end childhood hunger in our community is truly inspiring,” said Gleaners President Gerry Brisson. “Their longtime support continues to provide nutritious meals to thousands of hungry children in southeast Michigan each month. I am grateful for their generosity and dedication to ensure that our kids get the nourishment they need and deserve.”
Support Local Programs
The proceeds from Mow Down Hunger will go towards programs specifically aimed at alleviating childhood hunger during the school year. These programs include:
School-Based Mobile Pantry – Gives up to 150 households frozen meat, fresh produce, and other nutritious food. Gleaners anticipates providing 60 monthly distributions of 35-40 pounds, serving 8,000 families.
BackPack program – Partnership with 48 local schools and delivers over 8,000 backpacks filled with enough fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains to make six meals to kids during the school year.
SmartBites – Program in which volunteers fill bags with healthful snacks and distribute them to hungry students at 70 low-income neighborhood schools in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties
Contribute to Mow Down Hunger
If you’re interested in contributing to the Mow Down Hunger Campaign, there are several ways to do so:
- Donate online
- Call 855-315-FOOD
- Text EAT to 85944 (Automatic $10 donation added to donor’s phone bill)
- Visit a Weingartz location. Click here for store locations and hours.
- Mail a check, payable to Gleaners Community Food Bank, to P.O. Box 33221, Drawer 43, Detroit, MI 48232-3321 – be sure to include Mow Down Hunger on the memo line of the check
