Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Heart of Michigan is hosting its annual food drive for Gleaners Food Bank next week.

The store, located at 203 W. Grand River in downtown Howell, will have a Gleaners’ truck parked out front in the morning, with collections happening from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on June 14. They said their goal is to “fill it to the brim with food and basic care items for people in the community in need.”

The first 50 people to donate 15 or more non-perishable, non-expired items will get a bag of Michigan-made items donated by companies including Cherry Republic, Faygo Beverages, Motown Soup, Velvet Peanut Butter, Alden Mill House, Beach Treats, Hunters Healthy Dog Treats, Ice Bridge DVD’s, J and A Creations, Little Town Jerky, Team B Creative, Michigan Mittens, Michi-Gummies, Pop Daddy Pretzels, Bee Rex Apiary Honey, Smokey Michigan, Sofia’ Pink Greek Dressing and Puzzles That Rock.

People who donate throughout the day can also enter for a chance to win prizes.

“This food drive helps raise awareness for the cause and provides a truck full of food and basic needs for people in need,” Karen Wing, owner of Heart of Michigan, said. “We will be open and accepting items all day on Saturday, June 14th. Our goal is to fill the truck. We want to thank the companies that have partnered with us by donating items to the event. We will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for this family fun celebration with additional prize drawings, cake, samplings and celebration of Heart of Michigan’s 14th Anniversary.”

The public can also support Gleaners by hitting the trail at Freedom River in Brighton for their 2025 Hunger Free Summer 5K Run and Walk, being held on June 21.

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. “Thanks to a match from Citizens and other generous donors, for every dollar raised through registrations or donations to this event, Gleaners can provide six meals to families facing hunger.”

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.

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.

WHMI will also be on hand for the 5K. Both Dan Martin and Lori Rigato will be out with the "Box That Rocks" from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Attendees can get WHMI goodies while supporting a good cause.

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