STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 4, 2025 — Macomb Defenders Rising (MDR), a grassroots, Indivisible-affiliated movement, today launched an interactive, mobile-friendly, volunteer-built directory and map to help Metro Detroit residents find free food resources fast, including nearly 100 food pantries and soup kitchens across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The tool is live at https://macombdefenders.com/food-resources/
The tool’s release is a grassroots response to the Republican-led federal shutdown disrupting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments across the country, intensifying pressure on local food systems.
“Let’s be clear about how we got here,” said Katrina Manetta, co-founder of Macomb Defenders Rising. “This shutdown was engineered by House Republicans playing politics with people’s lives—trying to gut health-care protections and send prices through the roof. When the Trump administration refused to fund SNAP for November, it took a federal court order to force their hand. Families shouldn’t have to rely on judges to eat.”
“We built this map because government cruelty shouldn’t leave people in the dark,” Manetta continued. “If a parent needs groceries tonight, they can head to our website, find a pantry, and get assistance in seconds. This is what community looks like when Washington fails us—neighbors rising to feed neighbors.”
The interactive map allows users to search by address or ZIP code and view location details, contact information, and eligibility requirements. MDR will continue updating listings in partnership with regional food-security organizations and welcomes community submissions through the site.
Michigan’s food-assistance networks report surging demand since the shutdown began, with many pantries already stretched thin. The online map centralizes regional resources that were previously scattered across multiple databases and local postings, helping residents act quickly while connecting donors and volunteers to the sites most in need.
About Macomb Defenders Rising
Macomb Defenders Rising (MDR) is a volunteer-led, progressive organization founded on the day of Donald Trump’s second inauguration as a grassroots defense of democracy and human dignity. Based in Macomb County and active throughout Metro Detroit, MDR organizes civic action, mutual aid and education to build an inclusive, compassionate, and fascist-proof community. Learn more or get involved at macombdefenders.com.