Throughout the month of June, the staff, faculty, and students from the Madison Heights campus of Ross Medical Education Center worked together to collect non-perishable food items. Their mission was to participate in the Hunger Free Summer campaign organized by Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. All of the food items collected were then donated to the Warren branch on Mound Road which will then be distributed to children and families in need in the Warren community.
Throughout the drive, staff, students, and faculty all pitched in for this great cause. Some items that were brought in were boxed macaroni and cheese, canned pasta, cereal, pudding cups, tuna fish, peanut butter, soup, and bagged pasta. Everyone at the campus was excited to be a part of helping the hungry in their community. They were able to collect and donate a large box filled with food products.
According to the Gleaner’s Food Bank website, their goal was “to feed the more than 300,000 children in southeastern Michigan who lose access to school-provided meals over the summer.” In order to be successful in this campaign, they would have to collect over one million pounds of food! But they know that the efforts are worth it because there are many children that count on free and reduced lunch programs during the school year, and so throughout the summer they rarely get a good meal. “This drive was easy for me because I eat like a kid myself!” shared Michelle Ladouceur, Office Assistant. “I was able to open my cabinets and pull out quite a few kid-friendly items to bring in.” The campus was more than happy to participate in this awesome program. Many of them expressed how great it feels to know they are able to help kids in and around their local community.
If you are interested in learning more about Gleaners and how you can help, visit their Facebook page or their website at http://www.gcfb.org/.