Food for Families in Detroit
Detroit, aka Motor City, is one of the most quintessentially American cities: it’s the US’s automotive capital, boasts a rich cultural heritage, and is the site of many events that shaped the course and culture of our nation.
The city – and its people – are resilient. After the city’s financial crisis, culminating in its declaration of bankruptcy in 2013, Detroit was well on its way to rebuilding stronger and better. The COVID pandemic was another blow to Detroit’s regained stability, causing unemployment spikes as well as devastating the population’s health and financial stability.
But Detroit hasn’t given up! At a Resource Rally there, our team had the amazing opportunity to meet many local parents who, despite a situation wholly outside their control, are still looking ahead to brighter days and doing everything in their power to ensure a better future for their children.
Maribel is a working single mom of four boys. Despite the challenges she faces, she enjoys being an active volunteer in her community. This Resource Rally, which she found out about through her sons’ school, provided some much-needed relief for this mom who gives so much of her own time.
“I’ve lost jobs in the past because I had to take care of my kids – if I have to take them to the doctor or something, I’ve had bosses not understand that,” Maribel told us. “And everything is so unaffordable, especially right now. Rent went so high. The gas bill. Water bill.
“Getting this food is a blessing to me. It’s how I’ll be able to not spend more, and use that money to cover bills.”
The food, and the accompanying hygiene items, were also important to Maribel for how they’d impact her family’s health. Preventing illness by taking care of yourself – by eating enough healthy food and keeping up personal and household cleanliness – comes with an upfront cost. But if her family can maintain these practices, it will benefit them all in the long run.
Eleanor is another mom looking towards the future, for her kids and grandchildren. Like Maribel, she’s been directly affected by the rising cost of living. Sky-high prices have forced her into making difficult decisions.
“Gas right now is so high. We have to think about – instead of food, let me put some gas in the tank because I have to go to work,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Eleanor’s spirit remains undimmed. She sees the best in her city and the people around her.
“We are a village,” Eleanor says proudly. “It doesn’t matter who, the color, the race. This is what we stand for. And, thank God, you know, that’s what holds us together.”
We’re honored to be able to help families like these, in towns and cities across the United States. When you give to Feed the Children, you’re helping feed brighter futures and make a difference that will last for years to come, no matter what the future holds!
