As of November 1st, 2025, federal food aid across the country has been thrown into uncertainty by the government shutdown, affecting thousands of families who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

Cooking for a Cause (CCC) is a new after school club led by Reed Jemison-Blais (‘28). The club aims to assist the efforts of SAS, the Skyline Food Pantry, and other clubs that help community members that may struggle with food insecurity. The CCC also plans to work with local non-profit organizations. 

“We honestly have a lot of different goals,” says Jemison-Blais. “One of them is providing food kits and recipes that we can put in Detroit community fridges after fundraising. We also plan to reach out to various programs, like food networks or programs that support families with food insecurity and also various other items that they ask for.”

The club was created by Jemison-Blais, Amelija Meyer (’28), and Jane Jordan (‘28), after learning of the potential suspension of federal aid programs. “I heard about the USDA cuts to local food banks and I also like sharing and learning stories behind recipes,” says Jemison-Blais. “The main goal is to spread recipes with stories, while also spreading available food.”

“It’s a really supportive environment, and everybody works together,” says Meyer, the CCC’s Social Media Manager. “Right now we’re working on a bake sale to raise money for our future projects.”

The bake sale will take place after school near the student entrance on Monday, November 17th. “We’re going to have a lot of sweets like snickerdoodles, brownies, and some gluten free and vegan options too,” says Jemison-Blais.

The Cooking for a Cause Club meets on Mondays in room A408 for anyone who wants to join or help out!