A Minnesota pizza shop named Wrecktangle is stepping up to help people during recent ICE raids by providing food and support to those in need. Co-owners Breanna Evans and Jeff Rogers wanted to do something when they saw fear spreading in their community as enforcement actions ramped up.
Since early December, ICE has intensified its presence in Minneapolis, launching Operation Metro Surge. Officials claim they are there to apprehend criminals, but many in the community feel targeted and scared. This has particularly affected local workers, especially in the restaurant industry.
Evans and Rogers quickly realized they had to act. They reached out to other local restaurants, forming a network to safely distribute food. They began delivering frozen pizzas and organizing meal drops for workers and their families. Since mid-January, they’ve raised $200,000 and distributed over 1,100 frozen pizzas, along with many family meal kits.
“Every time something hits the community, we respond,” Evans shared, emphasizing the importance of their mission. They’ve tackled the community’s needs with creativity, even launching a program to match meals purchased at local eateries with donations to others. This way, they keep the local businesses supported while providing for those who often feel invisible.
According to recent surveys, community support for local businesses has surged during tough times. People flock to social media to share their experiences, encouraging one another to support local efforts like Wrecktangle’s. Rogers highlights the overwhelming response, noting, “We’ve seen donations and words of encouragement from all over the world.”
However, this local effort isn’t just about pizzas. It addresses a broader issue. As Evans warns, the ongoing fears in the restaurant industry could have severe economic consequences. Many businesses are already fragile, making it harder for them to weather the storm.
While they’ve paused physical donation collections, Wrecktangle continues to accept monetary donations. This will directly fund food preparation for the community. Their efforts highlight how local businesses can unite to uplift and protect their neighborhoods during challenging times.
For those looking to support similar initiatives, check out Local First to find businesses that prioritize community well-being.
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