Gleaners Brings Water Distribution Sites to Detroit

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DETROIT — Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan 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 Nestlé Waters North America and AmeriCares to make available to Detroiters who may need it.

“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.”

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. 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 gcfb.org or by calling 855-315-FOOD (3773).