Northern Michigan fundraiser kicks off amid growing food bank demand

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The demand on food banks continues to rise across northern Michigan — and one of the region’s largest food drives is about to get underway.

What: Father Fred's annual Frostbite Food Drive
When: Saturday February 7, 10am-3pm
Where: Team Bob's Heating, Cooling, Pumbing @ 1797 Park Dr, Traverse City, MI

Father Fred’s annual Frostbite Food Drive kicks off this weekend. The drive brings in more food and cash donations than any other Father Fred’s fundraiser. Last year, it raised about $75,000 worth of food and $20,000 in cash.
“That would get us through about a half a month,” said Candace Hamel, executive director of the Father Fred Foundation.
“We’re actually running at about $120,000 to $130,000 per month in food,” Hamel said. “So it’s well over a million dollars each year at this point — and it’s not slowing down.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic, pantry visits increased by 65%, with Father Fred’s now serving about 46,000 people each year. That number has continued to grow by five to six percent annually.
Hamel said the most helpful donation is cash, which allows the organization to purchase fresh food. After that, non-perishable protein items like canned chicken, tuna, and peanut butter are especially needed — along with personal care items such as diapers, shampoo, and toothpaste.
The Frostbite Food Drive launch party goes from 10am to 3pm on Saturday at Team Bob’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in Traverse City. The food drive will run through February 15 where donations can be dropped off at several locations listed below.

Team Bob's Heating, Cooling, Plumbing - 1797 Park Dr., Traverse City
Williams Chevrolet Honda Kia - 2600 N. US 31 South, Traverse City
Any Traverse City area Tom's Food Market - 1201 S. Division Street|13940 South West Bay Shore Drive|738 Munson Ave
Any Traverse City area Oleson's - 3850 N. Long Lake Rd. |1100 E. Hammond Rd.
Any Traverse City area Oryana store - 260 E. Tenth St. | 3587 Marketplace Cir.
Monetary donations are also accepted online at the Father Fred Foundation website.