Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
DETROIT – The Field Street Community Fridge on Detroit’s east side has seen a dramatic increase in visitors seeking food assistance. “It is 15 to 20 people every forty minutes or so. And within the last few days, that’s even more frequent,” says Belinda Gilmore, who operates the Field Street Community Fridge. The surge comes amid shifting policies affecting SNAP benefits. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to offer partial payments to SNAP recipients. A federal court order then paused these payments over the weekend. On Monday (Nov. 10) afternoon, the agency announced that payments will resume. The uncertainty has forced many families to seek alternative food sources. One SNAP recipient, who asked to remain anonymous, described her strategy: “What I am doing is going to around to all the food banks and trying to make ends meet.” This government shutdown marks the longest in U.S. history, frustrating many recipients. Mary Pustelak, who receives SNAP benefits, expressed her disappointment with the political stalemate. “It sounds like my grandkids fighting over a toy, and we’re the toy,” said Pustelak. As demand at the community fridge grows, Gilmore is calling on local residents to help. “If you got something extra at home you are not using, can’t use, bring it here, leave it for someone else to take it, please,” Pustelak said.
