SNAP Back! Help Bring Food and Hope to Our Brilliant Community

Now more than ever, we’re reminded of the importance of helping others. After the distribution of SNAP benefits was impacted during the recent government shutdown, many families in our neighboring communities are facing food insecurity. To help meet this growing need, community member and friend of Brilliant Detroit, Lisa Garatoni, launched the Brilliant SNAP Campaign to provide extra support to families during this time.

As we approach the holiday season, we are calling on our community partners to help organize food drives to collect non-perishable items and essential household goods. These contributions will help stock the community pantries located throughout our Detroit neighborhoods.

Thanks to our wonderful partners at The Wave Project, most Brilliant community hubs now feature 24/7 food pantries just outside their doors. Families can access these pantries whenever they need, with no barriers and no questions asked. Together, we can make sure every family has what they need this holiday season.

How can you help?

We’re inviting our community partners to:

• Contribute to our ongoing food collection drive (To learn more about scheduling a donation delivery, please complete this interest form on Galaxy. A member of our Brilliant team will follow up via email with additional details.)
• Help host a holiday meal food drive
• Sponsor a community meal (Our hubs frequently host community breakfasts and dinners, giving families the chance to connect with their neighbors over a shared meal. If you’d like to support this effort, we welcome donors to contribute to fun and creative meals, such as Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Waffle Wednesdays, or a cereal bar for younger children.)
• Donate Kroger gift cards
• Contribute directly through our Brilliant Detroit website, adding the note "Lisa's Brilliant SNAP Campaign" in the 'Additional Information' section

Here’s a sample listing of items that are most appreciated:

• Any shelf-stable foods
• Peanut Butter / Jelly / Honey
• Cooking oil (like olive or canola)
• Salt / pepper, and other spices
• Proteins: Canned chicken, tuna, and beans
• Soups: Canned soups and chilis
• Vegetables: Canned vegetables (preferably low-sodium) and canned tomatoes / sauces
• Fruits: Canned fruit (in juice, not syrup)
• Meats: Canned beef stew, chili, shelf-stable meats
• Meal Kits: Macaroni and cheese, pastas, potatoes, boxed dinners
• Rice (brown rice is often preferred)
• Whole-grain pasta
• Whole-grain and low-sugar cereals
• Rolled oats and instant oatmeal
• Shelf-stable milk and milk substitutes
• Whole-grain breads and crackers
• Barbeque Sauce Hot Sauce
• Flour and Corn Meal
• Salad Dressings
• Healthy Juices
• Shelf-stable, low-sugar snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, apple sauce
• Non-food items like personal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products
• Household Supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent

If you’d like to contribute items for holiday meals, please see the suggested list below:

• 10-12 lb Turkey
• Poultry Seasoning
• Chicken Broth
• Stuffing Mix
• Milk
• Gravy
• Cranberry Sauce
• Potatoes
• Jiffy Mix
• Cans of Corn
• Green Beans
• Diced Tomatoes
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cookies
• Brownie Mix
• Roasting Pan
• Turkey Baster
• Pumpkin Pie
• Cola or Sodas