DTE Energy Garden Program Starts Fourth Growing Season

DETROIT, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After three successful years of providing fresh produce to the hungry in Southeastern Michigan, the DTE Energy Gardens program is expecting to make an even greater impact this year.

The program started with two gardens in 2008 and now has 10 using buffer land at DTE Energy properties in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Monroe counties. Since its inception, DTE Energy has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, where the food is delivered and then distributed to those in need.

"The program has been incredibly gratifying at a number of different levels," said Vince Dow, DTE Energy vice president, Distribution Operations. "We're not only growing fresh vegetables to feed and improve the nutrition of those who depend on Gleaners, but also providing a place to build community, learn more about horticulture and the food cycle, and be in a healthy environment."

DTE Energy and Gleaners started the program at two electric substation properties and gardens now are at company locations in Allen Park, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, Frenchtown Township, Plymouth Township, Pontiac, Southfield, Lyon Township, Washington Township and Westland.

In 2010, 44,000 pounds of produce was harvested; this year, the gardens will be expanded to four acres and 1,000 volunteers from schools, community groups and religious organizations are expected to handle the many activities needed to grow successful gardens.

"There is so much to be done, from tilling to spreading compost, creating planting beds, planting seeds and seedlings, weeding, watering and hoeing, and then helping to harvest and deliver the produce," Dow said. "Lastly, we also need people to prepare the gardens for next year."

To get involved with the DTE Energy Garden project, call Marc Zupmore at (313) 235-3579. Groups and individuals should plan to bring their garden tools, although some equipment will be available. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and drinking water also should be brought to the gardens.

Gleaners distributed more than 36 million pounds of emergency food to nearly 500 partner soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties last year.

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) 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 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

SOURCE DTE Energy