Last summer, before Memphis saw an influx of ICE agents, local activists and Latino leaders gathered to understand their community’s needs. At that time, the Trump administration had just started expanding ICE operations. Although many in the meeting didn’t share a common language, they connected through feelings of fear and concern.
Amber Hampton, a member of Indivisible Memphis, described the atmosphere: “You could see the emotion and feel the pain in that room without even having to understand the words.” Many attendees were scared to leave their homes. When ICE began raids months later, parents kept children home from school.
Recognizing the community’s anxiety, Indivisible Memphis formed the Immigrant Pantry. They wanted to provide proactive support instead of just reacting after a raid. This pantry offers essential food and hygiene items to those who feel unsafe venturing outside.
Volunteers open their homes as pantry locations, storing non-perishable goods and necessities. Others act as delivery drivers, picking up food and fresh produce from local grocery stores and bringing it to people in need.
“The thought of people being trapped at home because of fear just didn’t sit right with us,” said volunteer Jessica Miller. Initially, volunteers made about eight deliveries a week. After national guard announcements in September, that number surged to nearly 30. Today, there are sometimes 200 people on the waiting list.
The community stepped up. What started as a handful of delivery drivers has grown to around 130. One volunteer even created an app to improve logistics for the pantry. “It’s a true community effort,” said Hampton. People from various backgrounds unite for a common purpose: helping their neighbors.
The pantry aims to provide culturally relevant food. If individuals are facing hardships, they should still have access to familiar meals. Miller explained that community members advised on what items would be best for recipients. They include dry beans, canned tomatoes, masa flour, and even fresh produce and meats. Special accommodations are made for those with dietary restrictions.
On a delivery, Miller met a mother who had to feed her baby sugar water for days due to a lack of food. The pantry often hears from families in dire need, with many deliveries going to homes with children.
Hampton noted a troubling disconnect: while reports highlight declining crime rates, they overshadow a humanitarian crisis faced by the community. “It’s a tale of two cities,” she said, underscoring the struggles of many in Memphis.
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 74% of Latino respondents reported feeling anxious about their status and safety in the U.S. This highlights the ongoing challenges immigrant families face. The Immigrant Pantry stands as a beacon of hope and support, reminding us of the strength in community solidarity during tough times.
Source link
