Annual Report 2010 – 2011 - Food Gatherers

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A Message from our Board Chair
Dear Gatherers,
This summer I had the opportunity to volunteer at one of Food Gatherers
weekly produce distributions.
Standing among heaping boxes filled with fresh peppers, tomatoes, melons,
squash, kale and beans, I worked with other volunteers that day to help shoppers
with their produce selections. As they shopped, people also exchanged food prep
tips and swapped recipes. One gentleman shared his best method for peeling
tomatoes with me, and a young mother reminisced about her grandmother’s
stuffed peppers. I was reminded that day of the range of people we serve:
families with young children and teenagers, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Though few who shopped that day knew each other, they were all connected by
a common thread – hunger.
In the past year, you helped Food Gatherers distribute 5.25 million pounds of
food, enough for 12,000 meals a day to nearly 44,000 Washtenaw County residents.
This is more food than we have ever distributed before! It was possible
because of you – our donors, volunteers, food rescue partners and staff. Alleviating
hunger where we live is a big job, so to each of you – thank you so very much
for gathering with us. You should be proud of the shared accomplishments
outlined in the pages of this report. We are!
Thank you for gathering with us,
Margie Hagene
Board Chair
Food Gatherers