The Facebook page started after SNAP delays to connect people who can pick up or donate groceries with those who need assistance.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Amid Border Patrol’s deployment to Charlotte, some immigrant families are turning to a grassroots initiative for help with basic necessities.
A Facebook group called Grocery Buddies has emerged as a lifeline for residents who fear leaving their homes to shop for food. The volunteer-driven program connects people who can pick up or donate groceries with those who need assistance.
Molly Kerrigan started Charlotte’s chapter of Grocery Buddies after noticing the growing need in the community during the government shutdown and historic delays to SNAP benefits.
The Facebook page allows people to post requests or offers anonymously. Word has spread fast.ย
“Just random people who saw the page and were like, ‘Yeah, I want to help out in that way,'” Kerrigan said.
The initiative follows similar pages that appeared across the country. Kerrigan says, in Charlotte, the need has shifted from SNAP relief to addressing fears about Border Patrol presence.
“It doesn’t have to be just like buying groceries,” Kerrigan said. “It can be just driving to the store for people, which I think, especially now, given a lot of police presence and everything, can be scary for a lot of people.”
In less than a month, over 130 people have joined the group. Posts range from families seeking assistance to volunteers offering both groceries and support.
One post reads: “I’m a single mother with a teenager and it would be a bit difficult to manage without SNAP assistance during these challenging times God bless all the people who can help others.”ย
Kerrigan pointed out that, after receiving help, this woman went on to offer help to others.
“I’m not the only one who feels like there’s so much more that can be done, and this is just reaffirming that,” Kerrigan said. “I’ve also witnessed, through my own experience, how loving and supportive this community is.”
Those interested in volunteering or requesting assistance can find the Grocery Buddies Charlotte group on Facebook.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X andย Instagram.
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