Food Gatherers, Ann Arbor 107one and Kroger will team up from December 1 to 5 for Rockin’ for the Hungry, a virtual fund drive to help alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County. This holiday season, many residents of Washtenaw County won’t have enough to eat and will turn to local food pantries for help. This year, Rockin’ for the Hungry aims to raise the equivalent of 30,000 emergency food boxes. Matching funds will come from the Harold & Kay Peplau Family Fund, the estate of Irene Fast, and other community sponsors.

         Launching on December 1, which is traditionally Giving Tuesday, 107one radio personalities will host the virtual event during a five-day broadcast featuring interviews with community leaders and partners, updates and donor-sponsored power hours. Gifts to Rockin’ will be matched on-to-one, doubling their impact and feeding children, families, adults and seniors in our community.

         Washtenaw County Kroger stores are vital partners in the fight against hunger. Kroger’s Zero Hunger, Zero Waste initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to ending hunger in our community while eliminating waste from its stores.

         The mission of Food Gatherers is to alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County. The food bank and food rescue program distribute more than 7.8 million pounds of food annually to 170 nonprofit programs serving low-income adults, seniors and children.

         Eileen Spring, president and CEO of Food Gatherers, says, “While Rockin’ may look different this year, one thing remains the same; no one in our community should go hungry. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased food insecurity in our community and many of our neighbors are facing hunger for the first time. When you make a gift during Rockin’, you will support our countywide network of 170 partner programs and agencies distributing food to anyone who needs it.”

To donate, visit FoodGatherers.org/rockin, call 734-606-0753, text ROCKIN to 734-888-9676 or mail checks made out to Food Gatherers (write Rockin’ in the memo line) to P.O. Box 131037, Ann Arbor, MI 48113. Ann Arbor’s 107one can be heard at 107.1 FM or on the web with streaming audio at AnnArbors107One.com.