Two nonprofit organizations in Detroit have teamed up to tackle food insecurity among elementary school kids. Last Saturday, volunteers packed bags full of non-perishable food and fun snacks to brighten the summer for many families.
Nicole D.W. Monia, president of the Collection of Life Experiences Foundation, described the initiative as a “snackation.” She said, “Our goal is to make these bags look like prizes that kids will love. When they see the treats inside, we want them to feel surprised and excited.”
Food insecurity is a real issue for many families in Detroit, especially when school is out. During the summer, children often miss out on school meals, which can make this period tough for parents.
Angelique Bantum, a Girl Scout who helped assemble the bags, shared her personal connection to the cause. “My mom always got me involved in helping others. It feels great to give back when you can,” she said.
Thanks to donations and support from sponsors, the C.O.L.E. Foundation and Elizabeth’s House were able to prepare enough food for over 150 students from six public schools. Shantael Harbin, a social worker at Spain Elementary-Middle School, expressed hopes for expansion next year. “I’d love to see more schools involved. If we could double the number next summer, that would be amazing,” she said.
This event, called the Crunch and Chill Food Drive, was a first, but organizers plan to make it an annual tradition. Monia added, “While we can’t feed everyone, we want to ensure that as many kids as possible receive snacks each summer.”
Their effort highlights a growing awareness of food insecurity in the U.S. According to a recent report by Feeding America, over 38 million people face food insecurity, with children making up a significant portion of that number. Community initiatives like this one bring hope and support when families need it most.
In a world where many seek to help one another, small actions can ripple out and lead to big changes.
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Nonprofit, Detroit, Food & Drink, Food Insecurity, Girl Scouts of the USA
