Ferndale’s Little Free Pantry Helps Lead Local Fight Against Growing Hunger as SNAP Future Remains Unclear

Monthly food aid hangs in the balance for nearly 1.5 million Michigan residents. The average household gets $186 in SNAP benefits - a lifeline for one in seven state residents, according to federal data.

"The amount of donations we've received, just in the past couple days, has really warmed my heart, and really made me sure of why I live in Ferndale; but Metro Detroit in general," said Lori Yates, according to FOX 2 Detroit. "Everybody is doing such a great job of helping people at this time."

Between West Lewiston and West Cambourne, a small wooden box stands ready. This Little Free Pantry on Planovan accepts food from kind souls. When it fills up, donors leave extra items on organizers' porches.

Need keeps rising. Even before talks of SNAP cuts, food banks saw more visitors. At Gleaners, requests shot up 10% from last year.

"Now that households are also facing the loss of SNAP benefits, it is an urgent, immediate need," said Kristin Sokul, senior director of advanced communications at Gleaners, as per FOX 2 Detroit. "And one that we're mobilizing to try to help families recover from in the near term."

Sokul stressed a stark truth, as shared with FOX 2 Detroit: "We know that hunger doesn't have a face, and it doesn't have a zip code. Hunger lives in every single neighborhood around Southeast Michigan and that means your neighborhood."

A web of support grows stronger each day. Matrix Human Services works with Forgotten Harvest twice monthly. Detroit Community Fridge keeps food fresh in spots where it matters most. D-Town Farms plants seeds of change while Gleaners stocks shelves.

Each dollar given to Gleaners turns into three meals for those in need. The Little Free Pantry takes donations through Venmo at lfpferndale.