The DTE Energy Foundation, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Michigan Humane, among other partners, recently came together for a Community Resource Day at the Oakland County Farmers Market to support the residents of Oakland County.
“Bringing community organizations and our partners together is vital for creating a network of support that can address the diverse needs of local residents,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By uniting our efforts, we can provide an array of resources that uplift and empower our community, ensuring no one is left behind. We’re grateful to be partners with Gleaners and Michigan Humane.”
The event kicked off with Gleaners’ Mobile Drive-Up Distribution, funded by the DTE Foundation, offering over 35 pounds of supplemental groceries for each participating household. Guests received fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and milk to help nourish their families.
“Hunger doesn’t have a specific face or zip code; we know it lives in every community. Walking together with people when they need a little help – with collaborators like the DTE Foundation, organizing resources at an important time for our community, and Michigan Humane, helping ensure that when we talk about food-secure households, we include pets – we know we’re strengthening our communities meal by meal,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners.
Meanwhile, Michigan Humane was on-site providing low-cost vaccines and microchipping for pets, along with free pet food distribution.
“Food insecurity affects the whole family, and pets are a big part of so many families,” said Michigan Humane President & CEO Matt Pepper. “That’s why it’s important for both animal and human service organizations to band together to make sure no need goes unmet.”
For the second half of the day, the American Red Cross, Lighthouse of Oakland County, and Centro Multicultural La Familia set up resource and information stations to assist residents and families by addressing their most immediate needs, such as food insecurity, housing resources, health education and more.
Guests also enjoyed a free, fresh meal from Impasto food truck, courtesy of the DTE Foundation.
By the end of the event, Gleaners distributed a total of 550 food boxes, totaling more than 19,000 pounds of groceries.
Michigan Humane distributed more than 12,000 pounds of dog and cat food.
Nearly 300 Oakland County community members received a free, fresh meal from the onsite food truck.