Gleaners Partners with DTE Energy to Grow Veggies at Substation Sites

First DTE Energy Garden to be in Auburn Hills; biofuels production also a part of the mix

A DTE Energy/Gleaners Community Food Bank partnership will result in the food bank using buffer land surrounding some electric facilities to grow vegetables to help fight hunger in Southeastern Michigan.

The first garden, now being prepared for planting at the energy company's Carter Substation in Auburn Hills, will be 4,500 square feet. Gleaners has recruited students from the Kennedy Center in Pontiac to tend the garden.

"This is an exciting partnership that not only will involve our company and Gleaners, but volunteer gardeners and farmers who want to make a difference in other people's lives," said Vince Dow, DTE Energy vice president for distribution operations. "There's a huge need for fresh vegetables and hopefully this will be the start of a movement to involve more businesses and volunteers across the region."

In addition to the volunteer gardeners, the land will be offered to farmers to grow organic crops, corn for ethanol or soy beans for biodiesel, with a portion of the profits donated to Gleaners.

At the Auburn Hills garden, students have planted seeds in the school's greenhouse and will plant the seedlings and other seeds in the garden once the threat of frost has passed. They will harvest their bounty, take it to Gleaners and Gleaners will give a portion back to the students for use in the school's culinary arts program.

"Not only will the students learn about plants, but also the food cycle and helping hungry neighbors," said Agostinho Fernandes Jr., Gleaners president. "We hope that many other people will volunteer to help out as well. There's lots to be done, from tilling to spreading compost, creating planting beds, planting seeds and seedlings, weeding, watering and hoeing, helping to harvest and deliver the produce, and preparing the garden for the next growing season."

To get involved with the DTE Energy Garden project, call Marc Zupmore at (313) 235-3579 or Mike McDonald at (313) 923-3535, ext. 407.

Gleaners collects 25 million pounds of food annually, which it distributes for 375,000 meals each week. The agency also fills hunger gaps for nearly 7,000 children through various programs.

DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, and MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers throughout Michigan.

More at www.dteenergy.com.