Gleaners Announces Water Distribution Sites in Detroit

DETROIT, July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --  Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan (Gleaners) announced today that it is making 6,000 gallons of fresh drinking water available to Detroit residents. In addition, Gleaners has secured an additional truck load of water from Nestle Waters North America and AmeriCares to make available to Detroiters who may need it.

The drinking water will be available at designated Gleaners partner agencies located throughout the city. Residents must call 2-1-1, the United Way help line, to find a water distribution site near them.

"We have heard from several pantries and soup kitchens that there has been an increase in calls for fresh water," said Gerald F. Brisson, president of Gleaners, "and daily access to fresh drinking water is necessary, especially during the hot summer months.

"I'm thankful to our partner network and the United Way for organizing quickly to help us get water to those who need it," added Brisson. "I'm also deeply grateful to Nestle and AmeriCares for responding quickly and generously to our request for assistance."

Residents who need drinking water are instructed to call 2-1-1. Operators will refer callers to one of several agencies working with Gleaners to distribute the water. Gleaners will continue to secure donations of water throughout the summer, and additional distribution sites may be added, depending on demand.

The water distribution effort joins Hunger Free Summer as one of Gleaners' major efforts to provide relief to families during the summer months. Hunger Free Summer aims to provide two million meals to children who would otherwise receive free or reduced-fee meals at school. Over 308,000 children in Gleaners' service territory rely on these meals to meet much of their daily nutritional needs. Donations to Gleaners can be made at www.gcfb.org or by calling 855-315-FOOD (3773).

About Gleaners Community Food Bank
For over 35 years, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been "nourishing communities by feeding hungry people." Last year, Gleaners distributed 41 million pounds of emergency food to more than 550 partner soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties. Gleaners helps alleviate hunger by providing the equivalent of nearly 100,000 meals per day to people who otherwise cannot afford the food they need. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 93 cents for food and food programs. One dollar provides three meals. Learn more at www.gcfb.org.

SOURCE Gleaners Community Food Bank