Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Gleaners’ annual Hunger Free Summer campaign may already be underway, but it’s not too late to help support them.

The 2025 Hunger Free Summer 5K Run and Walk is being held at Freedom River in Brighton on June 21.

(photo credit: Gleaners)
Their Hunger Free Summer campaign ensures that children are able to have access to meals while out of school. The organization said three meals can be provided for every dollar. Every dollar raised through registrations or donations for the 5K will be matched as part of the campaign.

The family-friendly event is a way to enjoy the outdoors and help close the summer meal gap at the same time.

Registration for the 5K run is $30. The price increases after June 8 at 11:59 p.m. The 1-mile fun run or walk is $25 to register, with a price increase at the same time as the 5K. The 5K will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 21, and the 1-mile fun run or walk will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

“Summer should be a season of play and possibility for kids–not a time of worry about where their next meal will come from,” Dr. Julie Bedford, Gleaners’ Senior Director of School Partnerships, said. “When school lets out, many families lose a critical resource for daily nutrition. That’s why Gleaners is committed to making healthy food accessible all summer long, working together with our partners to ensure children can thrive both in body and spirit.”

Last year in Livingston County alone, Gleaners distributed 2,273,978 pounds of food, served 20,182 households, grew 2,350 pounds of fruit and vegetables in the Livingston Victory Garden, filled 11 fresh produce carts throughout the county every week and operated five monthly mobile food distributions.

“In Southeast Michigan, nearly 300,000 students are at risk of hunger when school is out,” Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Regional President for Citizens, said. “We’re proud to make 15 years of partnership with Gleaners, supporting a campaign that helps families at a time when they need it most. By matching donations this summer, we’re helping to ensure children get the food they need to grow, thrive and return to school ready to succeed.”

The link to register for the Hunger Free Summer 5K Run and Walk is below.