If you have been paying attention to the news coming out of Washington D.C., Fish Creek resident Rachel Olson has a positive way for you to channel that negative energy. Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for more than 30 days over a continuing resolution to fund the government, preventing federal employees from getting paid and government programs from being funded. One of those is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which assists more than 42 million people across the country including 700,000 Wisconsinites. Bills from both sides have been introduced to keep SNAP funded, but the stalemate over subsidies for health care plans through the Affordable Care Act has prevented it from gaining traction. Olson turned her frustration into action, organizing a food drive with the goal of creating 40 meal kits for families to make either taco soup and white bean chicken chili. She knew she could not sit idly by and she hopes it inspires others to help out.

You have until November 15th to donate items or money to the cause. No matter when SNAP funding is restored, Olson says that the food and donations will go to area food pantries. You can find the full shopping list below so you can bring them to the Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay or Shiny Moon Café in Fish Creek.