Hero Story

Carmen was instrumental in recognizing the tremendous need within local immigrant communities during the COVID-19 public health crisis. A coalition of community leaders, nonprofit organizations, business partners, and corporate sponsors have launched the “Not a Family Goes Hungry’’ program in Southwest Detroit. The program works in partnership with Holy Redeemer Grade School and Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church located in Southwest Detroit to deliver weekly food boxes to immigrant families who are out of work and faced with significant financial challenges.

“We serve those who are most likely to be hurt by the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Most Holy Redeemer Christian Service Director Carmen Muñoz. “Everyone is inconvenienced, but immigrant families are facing financial devastation. We are here for them. We are doing everything as a community to help and support them."

Each week, the “Not a Family Goes Hungry” program delivers food boxes to approximately 70 families who have pre-registered to participate in the program. The boxes contain fresh fruit, produce and meat, canned goods, milk and eggs, cereals, bread, and dried staples that are intended to last for a week. The boxes are assembled by local supermarkets, Honey Bee Market (La Colmena), Prince Valley Market, and E&L Supermercado, with purchased food from their individual stores. The program will continue to provide support to local families as long as there is a need within the community.

“This how we roll in Southwest Detroit,” said Ideal Group Assistant to the Chairman Sylvia Gucken. “It started with a single phone call asking, ‘What can we do to help Holy Redeemer Grade School Families?’ Eight days later, the Not A Family Goes Hungry Program delivered food boxes to 67 families sheltering in place. The weekly project speaks well of
the collaborative spirit of Holy Redeemer Grade School and Parish with the community at large. Together, we are revealing the pride and resilience of Southwest Detroit.”