Right on schedule, gates opened for the Food Gatherers fundraiser at Washtenaw Farm Council fair grounds yesterday afternoon at 3:00pm. The rain that had been somewhere between misting and outright call for umbrellas was persisting, abetted by a bit of wind and very not-June-like temperatures in the mid-60s. Many had worn jackets. [1,2,3]
Yet the main lines for food even then were peeking out from under the approach side of Building B.
Billed as “a picnic with a purpose,” this was a well-organized blend of both. Options for eating included grilled in-husk corn, hot dogs, and brats; vegetarian; and steaming paella stations (with and without meat). Sides were available at all stations. Beer, wine, water, and a number of choices for non-alcoholic beverages were in Building A — along with desserts.
There was an overall family reunion vibe to all of this, down to the wooden folding chair seating at long, nicely clothed tables. Food preparation actually took place a hundred feet or so outside of the building, meaning the pleasant smell from the charcoal pits was notable but not overpowering.
At the same time, brightly colored signs throughout the event provided succinct reminders of the purpose here. In the 16-page handout, Food Gatherers President and CEO Eileen Spring provided a summary.
The most important part of Grillin’ is what your support makes possible throughout the year. In the upcoming year, Food Gatherers will distribute the equivalent of nearly 15,000 meals per day to our community neighbors in need of food assistance. Nearly 14% of people who struggle with food insecurity do not qualify for federal food assistance. The fact that Washtenaw County is on of the most expensive counties in Michigan dramatizes how essential Food Gatherers’ network of private support is to our community’s overall health and stability.
Opposite the beverage building and on the other side of Building B, promised entertainment performed at one end of Building C. The other showed silent auction items all along its perimeter walls. In a separate, if not contrasting atmosphere, Building D was largely dedicated to entertainment for children and included a nice variety of activity choices. Salt Springs Brewery from downtown Saline had also staked out its own bar area here to serve adults. [4]
Beyond this fundraiser, Food Gatherers continues to make requests for additional support from this community year-round.
Volunteers are always needed to help in their warehouse, with food runs, and to staff its Food Gatherers Community Kitchen. Monetary gifts of as little as $5.00 can be leveraged to provide up to fifteen meals: One-time donations, recurring monthly routines, and corporate programs make this happen through steps large and small.
Food Gatherers even accepts donations of fresh produce grown in your own garden.
With that it’s time to start planning for Grillin’ 2019. That date has been set for Sunday, June 9, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Once again, that will come rain or shine — although a little less of the former, a little more of the latter next time would be welcome.
References
- “This Sunday, Eat at the One Picnic That Will Both Satisfy Your Own Discerning Tastes and Feed Local Families in Need” Dell Deaton (June 5, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Food Gatherers (home page).
- Washtenaw Farm Council (Facebook Page).
- Salt Springs Brewery (home page).
