Thanksgiving is a time when many of us gather with family and friends and enjoy an extravagant meal.  But that is not the case for the 1 in 8 people in Michigan who are estimated to go hungry this holiday season, according to Feeding America.   

In recent years, the cost of groceries, utilities and other expenses have increased, making it difficult for hardworking families in our community to put food on the table.  The COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse.    

You can help by joining the Ford Fund and Gleaners Community Food Bank in efforts to help those in need.

• A virtual food drive is taking place now to support Gleaners Community Food Bank.  The initial goal of $15,000 has already been met.  Currently, donations by the Ford team have surpassed $24,000. 
• You can double your impact by supporting “The 12 Days of Gleaners.”  From now through Nov. 25, the Ford Fund will match every $1 donation.   A donation of just $25 provide two families of four with a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.

Headquartered in Detroit, Gleaners provides food to more than 660 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other agencies by offering direct service drive-up grocery and food box distributions.

“The pandemic has greatly affected our nonprofit partners and the people they serve,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Motor Company Fund.  “It warms my heart when I hear stories about how Ford employees are giving back and demonstrating what ‘caring for each other’ means.”

That spirit of giving lasts all year for the Ford Fund.  Ford Resource and Engagement Centers are a Ford Fund innovation that brings nonprofit partners together in a collaborative environment to support surrounding communities.  Since the doors first opened eight years ago, Ford has been partnering with Gleaners to fight hunger in the neighborhoods where the centers are located. So far this year, more than 2.4 million pounds of food have been delivered through two centers in Detroit. 

“We have a longstanding commitment to hunger relief,” added Thompson.  “Our partnership with Gleaners is innovative in that we’re creating mobility solutions to reach families experiencing hunger who don’t have the access to transportation to pick up groceries at our community center. We’re now delivering groceries to families in the neighborhood.  This approach sets us apart from other corporate foundations.”