Gleaners saw a 9 million pound gap in donated food last year

May 5, 2026

Angela Moloney has taken over as president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank in metro Detroit during a particularly difficult period for the organization. The food bank experienced a dramatic decline of over 9 million pounds in food donations last year, with federal government contributions dropping by more than 5 million pounds and no signs of recovery expected. Despite elevated demand that persists since the COVID-19 pandemic and complications from recent SNAP benefit disruptions during a government shutdown, Gleaners has implemented a sustainability plan and purchased additional food to help meet needs.

Who is affected

More than 1.5 million people in Michigan struggling with food insecurity
Five counties in southeast Michigan served by Gleaners
More than 300 soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and schools that partner with Gleaners
Students who rely on school meals and face increased food insecurity during summer
Families making difficult trade-offs between food and other essential needs
Gleaners Community Food Bank employees
Metro Detroit mail carriers (approximately 2,800 represented by the Detroit branch)
Senior citizens, children, unhoused veterans, and the working poor

What action is being taken

Gleaners is implementing a sustainability plan focused on sourcing, ramping up fundraising, and volunteer support
Gleaners is purchasing more food to fill the gap from reduced donations
Angela Moloney is listening to Gleaners employees and visiting community partners
Gleaners is participating in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Metro Detroit letter carriers are collecting non-perishable food donations on May 9
Double Up Food Bucks is offering increased matching benefits of $50 per day (up from $20)
Community partners are on "high alert" regarding meeting needs

Why it matters

Food is fundamental to economic security and overall success in life. When people lack access to adequate nutrition, they cannot achieve economic stability regardless of their efforts. With demand remaining elevated since the COVID-19 pandemic and significant reductions in food donations—particularly a 5-million-pound decrease from the USDA with no expected rebound—vulnerable populations face increasingly difficult choices between food and other essential needs. The situation affects over 1.5 million Michigan residents struggling with food insecurity, and without coordinated community response and generosity, the crisis will persist and worsen, particularly during summer months when children lose access to school meals and families face higher childcare costs.

What's next

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will take place on Saturday, May 9, when letter carriers will collect non-perishable donations
Demand is expected to increase in the summer when students don't have access to school meals
Gleaners has a Hunger Free Summer matching gift campaign to support children when out of school
Moloney plans to lead community conversations to ensure food security remains a priority for decision-makers and officials seeking election or re-election
Double Up Food Bucks increased matching will continue "until the foreseeable future"

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com