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Grizzly Peak joins with Food Gatherers to help fight hunger

By Erena Baybik
Daily Staff Reporter

The Grizzly Peak Brewing Company is working to take another step forward in the fight against hunger by volunteering 10 percent of their lunch proceeds this week to Food Gatherers, a food rescue program based in Ann Arbor.

"This is something that the owners wanted to do," said General Manager Scott Joling, "they feel that it is important to be a part of the Ann Arbor environment."

Although relatively new to the area the restaurant hopes to set a tone for other institutions. "Besides, they do a great job and we just wanted to lend our support," Joling said.

Food Gatherers works to alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County by collecting excess food from college residence halls and a variety of businesses. Martha Cook's dining service is one of 120 of these food donors. After collecting the extra food the organization distributes it among 80 community agencies to provide them with food for people who need it.

"With the tremendous support of the community, Food Gatherers is able to rescue and distribute two tons of nutritious food a day," said Director Eileen Spring.

Jenifer Woods, a lunch customer at the restaurant Tuesday, said the contributions are important and helpful. "It's a great cause."

A significant amount of the food goes to places like SAFE House, the Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House, making a majority of the recipients children and low-income families, Spring said.

This 10-percent donation will mostly go toward operating expenses, she said. "Since we are a nonprofit organization all the money and food is donated and no one is charged for our services."

Spring said she hopes the program will motivate more people to get involved in the fight against hunger. "Folks can donate time or money," Spring said, "but no matter what there is a role for everyone to play in the fight against hunger."