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Ford Motor Company Fund donates $100,000 to Gleaners Community Food
Bank to purchase baby formula, the largest donation of formula to
Gleaners this year
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Ford Mobile Food Pantries will pick up and distribute the formula that
will feed thousands of babies in financially challenged families
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To help meet two basic needs, the Ford Volunteer Corps organized a
Diaper and Formula Drive, and Gleaners has set up a text-to-donate
campaign to buy additional cases of formula
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
DEARBORN, Mich. -- (Business Wire)
As many Detroiters continue to face food insecurity issues, Ford Motor
Company Fund is contributing $100,000 toward an infant formula program
at Gleaners Community Food Bank – enough to feed more than 7,000 babies
for two weeks.
Ford employees are supplementing the contribution with hundreds of
pounds of formula and thousands of diapers, collected during the annual
Diaper & Formula Drive organized by the Ford Volunteer Corps, as part of
a Ford Accelerated Day focused on children and families. Diapers are not
included in most assistance programs and that added cost can stretch a
household budget to the breaking point for families struggling to feed
their children.
In all, more than 7,000 cans of formula and thousands of diapers will be
delivered to non-profit agencies throughout southeast Michigan today by
the local fleet of Ford Mobile Food Pantries, which is coordinated by
United Way of Southeastern Michigan.
“Healthy, nutritious foods are often difficult to find for families
living in economically depressed neighborhoods,” said Janet Lawson,
director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “Ford’s donation will provide essential
nutrition and a healthy start to infants who are at the most critical
stage in their development.”
With more than 200,000 children facing food insecurity in southeast
Michigan, additional support is always welcome from the community.
Gleaners has set up a text-to-give option for Ford employees and the
public to donate dollars toward the purchase of additional formula for
Gleaners and the Food Bank Network. To contribute to Ford Feeds Babies:
text (FFB) to (41444) and follow the link to donate any amount by credit
or debit card.
“Hungry kids struggle more in school, are more prone to behavioral
problems and are less likely to live healthy, successful lives than
children who regularly eat well,” said Gerry Brisson, president,
Gleaners Community Food Bank. “More than 40 percent of the people we
serve are children and this generous donation from Ford Fund, the
largest formula donation we have received this year, will go a long way
toward bridging the gap in infant nutrition in our community.”
Over the past five years, Ford Motor Company Fund has contributed more
than $1.7 million to Gleaners Community Food Bank as part of its
commitment to hunger relief in southeastern Michigan. Gleaners operates
four Ford Mobile Food Pantries, and the Ford Resource and Engagement
Center in southwest Detroit includes a Gleaners client-choice food
service hub. The Ford Volunteer Corps also has enlisted thousands of
Ford employees over the years to sort, pack and deliver meals at
Gleaners locations.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community
partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. The
Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing
funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life teaches
new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods.
Innovation in education is encouraged through programs that enhance high
school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants.
Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and
retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in 30
countries. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.
About Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan
(Gleaners):
For over 37 years, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been "feeding
hungry people and nourishing our communities.” Gleaners helps alleviate
hunger by providing the equivalent of nearly 77,000 meals per day to
people who otherwise cannot afford the food they need. Headquartered in
Detroit, Gleaners operates a total of five distribution centers in
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties, which provide
food to 510 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other
agencies throughout southeastern Michigan. Of every dollar donated,
Gleaners uses 94 cents for food and food programs. One dollar provides
three meals. Learn more at www.gcfb.org.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and
lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse
group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services,
education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest
in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is
a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by
increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at
risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities,
and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available
at www.liveunitedsem.org
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company Fund
Eric Mitchell
734.612.8267
emitch15@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company Fund
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