Each time we visit a Food Bank on this tour (and on the 2008 trip) we expect to be inspired, and Food Gatherers was no different.  A small operation that serves Washtenaw County, Michigan, Food Gatherers has different challenges and opportunities than some of its larger partners.

As perhaps the smallest member of the Feeding America network, Food Gatherers has access to truckloads of food that are distributed across the network, but has to be careful not to waste.  Whereas in a larger food bank like Gleaners (headquartered in Detroit), truckloads of fresh produce will be immediately put to use to serve the local community, Food Gatherers serves a smaller area and does not convert deliveries to meals in the same timeframe.  Fortunately, the team at Food Gatherers is well connected to nearby food banks, and the partners are able to barter to ensure that Washtenaw Country's hungry population gets access to fresh produce and other perishables, but in a quantity that can be effectively used.

The organization also broke ground this year on a new farm plot that has produced nearly 20,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to date!  This on-site farm provides a predictable (weather permitting) supply of food, which is particularly important in this difficult time when demand is up.  In addition, it directly supports another component of Food Gatherer's mission: increase the amount of nutrient-rich foods that are available to those in need.  It's an incredible thing to alleviate hunger in a region, but to also address the startling stastic that only 13% of food bank visitors get their daily nutritional requirements is quite a goal.