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Gas station owner collecting donations for groceries
It's a recipe for disaster. That's what communities are saying about the potential of losing those snap benefits as grocery prices rise. But one Bay View business owner is trying to help.
MILWAUKEE - It's a recipe for disaster. That's what communities are saying about the potential of losing those snap benefits as grocery prices rise.
But one Bay View business owner is trying to help.
Bay View BP gas station
Helping seniors afford groceries
What we know:
From the shelves to the scanners, the smallest items really do add up.
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"Because of inflation, the prices are up on everything else," said Faisal Bhimani, the owner of the BP gas station in Bay View.
Faisal Bhimani
He says he sees and hears customers struggling with food prices, especially his older clientele.
"They told me they've seen one of the seniors in the front of the line had to put the groceries back," added Bhimani.
This led to an idea. Bhimani decided to offer a little relief at the checkout counter.
Collecting donations
Every little bit helps
What we know:
For the past three weeks, he's collected donations.
Bhimani matches them, then he and volunteers go to a local grocery store to buy gift cards and give them to seniors.
So far, he says they've helped more than 30 people and distributed more than $600.
"These people have worked hard all their lives, and it's the least we can do as a community," he said.
Also on customers' minds — the possibility of losing SNAP benefits because of the government shutdown.
No SNAP benefits to be issued in November, USDA confirms
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted on its website, "The well has run dry."
If that happens, Bhimani says he's in talks with other businesses to collect more donations.
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He says these funds would either go to local food pantries in the Bay View and St. Francis areas, or they'll buy necessities and give them out in front of his gas station.
"Our idea is to make sure that no one sleeps hungry or starves at night," he said.
If you would like to help out, Bhimani says they're always accepting donations at his BP location.
The Source: FOX6 spoke to the owner of the Bay View BP gas station to produce this story.