By Teon Hayes

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When families are facing soaring food prices, stretched resources, and fewer avenues of support, the strength of a community is often what keeps them afloat. Across the nation, food insecurity continues to rise as everyday essentials become harder to afford. At the same time, the Trump Administration has proposed cuts to SNAP and reduced funding for local farmers and food banks, and food assistance programs report difficulty meeting the increased demand. The administration’s efforts to weaken the nation’s basic needs programs have become clear during its first 100 days, and the stability that millions of families rely on is under growing threat.

While federal funding should serve as the foundation of food security efforts, the reality is that community support is often the only safety net left for families in need. Let’s be clear, though: no matter how powerful they are, community efforts cannot replace the consistent, predictable investment of federal dollars. That’s why it’s more important than ever for individuals and organizations to step up and support one another. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating to local food banks, supporting community centers and pantries, or boldly advocating against threats to critical programs like SNAP, these actions help bridge the gap.

In response to these challenges, organizations like CLASP are taking intentional steps to support local efforts. This week, CLASP is hosting an organization-wide community service day that encourages our staff to volunteer and/or donate to local community centers, food banks, and food pantries. Our service day falls on May 2, which is the 62^nd anniversary of the Children’s Crusade in Birmingham, Alabama. This historic 1963 march demonstrated the undeniable power of collective action, as thousands of young Black students took to the streets to demand civil rights and justice. Their courage and determination changed the course of history, proving that when communities come together, real change is possible.

Call to Action

Just as the children of Birmingham raised their voices for justice and served as a catalyst for nationwide change, we too must take action to support our neighbors in need. The long history of food apartheid in the U.S. has left Black and brown communities disproportionately affected by food scarcity, which will be further exacerbated by decisions made on the federal level. If the government will not provide consistent and adequate support, then we, as a community, must step in where we can.

The Children’s Crusade showed the country that local action, especially when led by those most impacted, can change national narratives. Now is the time to act. Whether you volunteer at a food bank, launch a community food drive, speak out at a town hall, or contact your elected officials to defend vital programs like SNAP, every small act of service contributes to a larger movement of resilience. We’re not only meeting an immediate need—we’re reaffirming the power of collective action. When rooted in compassion and solidarity, community-led efforts can offer vital relief and restore hope. When federal systems fail, it’s community that rises. Stand up. Show up. Because when we stand together, we thrive together.