Supply Water/ Alleviate Food Insecurity Among Families in Flint, Michigan

Flint STRIVE's objective for the "Food Insecurity Grant" is to help the people of the city of Flint, Michigan with food and water assistance during the winter months in order to ease the stress associated with the struggle of not having the financial ability to purchase food for their families. These occurrences are due to the rising costs of food, mandatory bills such as electricity, heat, water, as well as car notes, fuel for vehicles, household expenses, clothing, prescription medications, and so forth. Families in Flint suffer from multiple barriers of accessing adequate food due to working/living below the poverty limit, not qualifying for assistance with food (such as SNAP benefits from the state), unemployment, limited resources, and unsuitable living conditions. Not knowing where their next meal is coming from can cause emotional distress when faced with the decision of spending money on food or paying bills of necessity and having to face their children who are weak from hunger. It can also cause serious health issues, especially for those living with illnesses that require special diets. Children suffer from malnutrition when parents are uncertain of when they will be able to put food on the table. This condition ranges from short-term/periodical occurrences, to a long-term condition. In addition to food disparity, Flint residents still suffer from the lasting effects of the Flint Water Crisis that still leaves a dreadful fear of drinking water from the faucet. Parents still purchase bottled water for themselves and their children to drink and utilize as a clean, trusted water source for everything from cooking to brushing their teeth. In light of this, they are still obligated to pay their water bill for the city, or face shut-offs, which would lead to even more catastrophic issues. Also, with the colder months, Covid-19 still looms, and families brace themselves as the threat of the illness thrives more prevalently. With so many stressors to deal with, including an overwhelming unemployment rate and rising crime rate, it's truly remarkable how the people of this city has not lose hope. STRIVE would like to offer a remedy to Flint families by way of hosting 2 community water giveaways and 1 food giveaway during the holiday months in order to help curve some of the expense of purchasing both items. With the holidays comes even more expenses, such as winter coats and clothing for adults and children, and ensuring that the kids have a nice Christmas. We want our families to focus on enjoying each other, not worrying about what and if they are going to eat. If considered for this grant, STRIVE vows to be good stewards of the funds received. As Flint residents ourselves, we understand the struggle. The water and food items will be purchased by our organization and distributed to be a direct benefit to the families of the City of Flint. Though we understand that this effort is by no means, a permanent or long-term solution to this problem that residents face, it is our hopes that this movement will become a catalyst to evoke more awareness of the issue and motivate other organizations to join in our crusade.