KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the need for food assistance is on the rise in communities across West Michigan.
In response, a coalition of women leaders across Kalamazoo County came together make sure families have food on the table.
The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is more than $50. Many are still recovering from the pause in SNAP benefits and organizers in Kalamazoo say this is a moment to step in and make the season feel special for families who need it most.
SNAP recipients relieved benefits funded for another year
On Sunday morning, more than a hundred families drove by to pick up a meal kit stuffed with everything they need to make their holiday special, including turkey, potatoes, stuffing, greens, fruit and more.
“We really were intentional about picking things that we thought would be diverse and people would be able to enjoy,” said Gwendolyn Hooker, the county’s public housing vice president. “We really wanted to make sure people had something nutritious and that they can celebrate the holiday without having to create a bigger burden on them and on the money that they had on hand.”…