Dearborn Public Schools is thanking its school community for setting new records for two November 2025 events that assist those in need in the community.
The Battle Against Hunger Food Drive ran from Nov. 10 to 14, 2025. This year 20 of the district’s schools collected food for Zaman International and cash donations for the Amity Foundation.
Families donated a record 39,520 pounds of food, which is equal to 19.76 tons. Zaman reported that is a record setting amount for the Battle Against Hunger. The collection was more than double the 7.8 tons the district collected in 2024.
Cash donations were also higher, topping more than $11,000 to be donated to the Amity Foundation.
While there are many reasons families support charities, the district suspects donations were higher this year because the collections came amid reports that federal food benefits were suspended and the community wanted to help.
“Battle Against Hunger is one of my favorite times of the year because it shows the best of what our school community can accomplish together,” said Dearborn High School senior Meriam Abdulsater. “From high schools to our feeder middle and elementary schools, everyone unites to collect cans and raise money for charities that support families in need. A friendly competition makes it fun, but what matters most is the impact made. I couldn’t be more proud of how much we accomplished together!”
Battle Against Hunger started in 2015 as a friendly off-field competition between rivals Dearborn and Fordson high schools. Edsel Ford High School joined the food drive later, and then it was opened for all the district’s other schools that were interested in participating. Now the event is a cooperative effort to help families in need.
The Empty Bowls fundraiser has an even longer history. The 34th annual Empty Bowls was held on Nov. 17, 2025. For a $6 donation, guests could enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread and take home an item hand-made by one one of our students. The items, including hundreds of clay bowls, are intended to remind visitors of those in need in the community.
The long-standing event usually raises about $3,000 a year, but this year garnered $5,160. Proceeds are given to Blessings in a Backpack and Gleaners Food Bank, two programs that provide free food to families in need in the district.
“We want to give our families and our community our heartfelt thanks for supporting these two programs to assist those in need in our community,” said Interim Superintendent Lamis Srour. “Dearborn is a unique place with a lot of heart. I applaud all those who helped for their donation and for teaching our students by example the importance of helping others.”