HIGHER HOPES

The story of Higher Hopes! began in November 2013 with a chance local newscast. The story featured a young woman who, due to car troubles, was unable to make it to a food pantry in time to pick up a turkey for her family’s Thanksgiving meal. Fortunately for the woman in the story, the news surprised her with a full Thanksgiving feast. While this story ended happily for this woman and her family, in reality it points to a systemic problem within our community: food insecurity. According to the Detroit Food Policy Council and the Detroit Health Department, 48% of households in Detroit are food insecure. So, while millions will happily spend Thanksgiving eating the traditional feast with their family and loved ones, there are thousands of families in the community who are unable to enjoy this holiday in the same, worry-free way.

Fueled by this concern, Higher Hopes! was founded in 2014 and by the end of the year the inaugural program, "1,000 Turkeys, 10,000 Smiles" was launched. Having partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank, Higher Hopes! distributes food kits to underserved families, allowing them to celebrate the holidays at home. With the help of donors and volunteers, the first event consisted of four semi-tractor trailers full of over 65,000 lbs of food ready to pass out to Detroit families - with everything included, from the turkey and sides to dessert and drinks.