Local Activists Step Up in Response to SNAP Funding Cuts, Launch Interactive Map of Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in Detroit Area.
As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans facing food insecurity are left reeling from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) funding cuts. But one grassroots group is refusing to let its community go hungry โ Macomb Defenders Rising (MDR), a local chapter of the national progressive organization Indivisible, has created an interactive map of nearly 100 food pantries and soup kitchens in the Detroit area.
The digital map provides vital information on locations, hours of operation, and contact details for those struggling to access basic necessities like groceries. MDR's efforts come as SNAP recipients are set to receive only half their usual benefit due to a federal court order. "We built this map because government cruelty shouldn't leave people in the dark," said Katrina Manetta, co-founder of MDR. "If a parent needs groceries tonight, they can head to our website and find assistance in seconds. This is what community looks like when Washington fails us โ neighbors rising to feed neighbors."
The shutdown's impact on vulnerable Americans is stark. The Trump administration initially refused to fund SNAP for November, prompting a federal court order to keep the program running with contingency funds. However, the funding cuts have left many without access to vital support.
With 42 million Americans relying on SNAP for food assistance, MDR's initiative serves as a beacon of hope in these uncertain times. The organization will update the listings and welcomes community submissions, further expanding its efforts to combat hunger in the Detroit area.
As Manetta so aptly put it, "Families shouldn't have to rely on judges to eat." Instead, local activists like MDR are working tirelessly to provide a lifeline for those struggling to access basic necessities.
As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans facing food insecurity are left reeling from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) funding cuts. But one grassroots group is refusing to let its community go hungry โ Macomb Defenders Rising (MDR), a local chapter of the national progressive organization Indivisible, has created an interactive map of nearly 100 food pantries and soup kitchens in the Detroit area.
The digital map provides vital information on locations, hours of operation, and contact details for those struggling to access basic necessities like groceries. MDR's efforts come as SNAP recipients are set to receive only half their usual benefit due to a federal court order. "We built this map because government cruelty shouldn't leave people in the dark," said Katrina Manetta, co-founder of MDR. "If a parent needs groceries tonight, they can head to our website and find assistance in seconds. This is what community looks like when Washington fails us โ neighbors rising to feed neighbors."
The shutdown's impact on vulnerable Americans is stark. The Trump administration initially refused to fund SNAP for November, prompting a federal court order to keep the program running with contingency funds. However, the funding cuts have left many without access to vital support.
With 42 million Americans relying on SNAP for food assistance, MDR's initiative serves as a beacon of hope in these uncertain times. The organization will update the listings and welcomes community submissions, further expanding its efforts to combat hunger in the Detroit area.
As Manetta so aptly put it, "Families shouldn't have to rely on judges to eat." Instead, local activists like MDR are working tirelessly to provide a lifeline for those struggling to access basic necessities.