Letter to District 12: The Shutdown and SNAP
Friends,
The Trump shutdown continues into its fourth week and is now the second longest in our history. Beginning on November 1st, the most vulnerable Delawareans will have their SNAP benefits shut off completely, which means that people are going to go hungry. Steve and I visited the Mission Market at the Central YMCA in Wilmington tonight to learn more about what they do and how we can help.
Malinda Leonard, who is the Mission Market’s Housing and Nutrition Program Coordinator, shared that, just yesterday, 80 families came in for assistance. Their shelves are usually full but now they are empty, and at this uncertain time Malinda worries about being able to provide for the community.
I spoke with Dr. Jimia Redden, who is the Community Executive Director at the Central YMCA. She shares, “We’re not the typical food pantry. Our Mission Market is open to our community, our staff, and our residents. Whatever we eat is what we want others to eat.” She is also asking for help to restock the shelves so the Mission Market can continue to provide.
There are many ways to donate items. You can bring them directly to the Central YMCA at 501 W. 11th St, Wilmington DE 19801. Go to the front desk, and Will can take it downstairs for you. If you can’t get there, please call us at 302-267-6432 and we can bring it for you. They can refridgerate eggs, butter, and meats. They need cereals, canned items, bottled water, hygiene products (including female deodorant), pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and jelly, condiments and spices, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, paper towels and utensils, mac and cheese, flour and sugar. They are also running low on children’s clothing.
If you are in need of assistance, please go to the Food Bank of Delaware’s website (https://www.fbd.org) to find the food bank closest to you.
Delaware is a State of Neighbors. It’s times like these that can bring us closer together and make us all stronger. Let’s make sure nobody goes hungry.
Serving together,
Dr. Rob Bahnsen
Candidate for State Representative, District 12