Opposition Arises as Minneapolis Food Pantry Excludes White Donors Using Taxpayer Money

A publicly funded food pantry in Minneapolis has caused controversy by reportedly excluding white individuals from accessing its services. The Food Trap Project Bodega, managed by Mykela “Keiko” Jackson, was created in July 2024 with a grant from Minnesota designated for addressing hunger in Black and Indigenous communities. However, the decision to limit services based on race has stirred criticism and resulted in the pantry’s closure and relocation.

The issue emerged when Chaplain Howard Dotson, a white visitor, observed a sign at the pantry near the Sanctuary Covenant Church explicitly discouraging non-Black and non-Indigenous individuals from using the resources. The sign apparently stated, “The resources found here are for Black and Indigenous Folx. Please refrain from taking anything if you’re not”​.

A Minneapolis food pantry, funded by city taxpayers, has banned white people from utilizing its resources.

Mykela ‘Keiko’ Jackson used a grant to launch the Food Trap Project Bodega.

There’s been a number of reports made suggesting how non-black residents are being denied… pic.com/VxkhkMNR0l

— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) September 30, 2024

Jackson defended her choice, claiming that the pantry’s purpose was to cater specifically to African American and Indigenous families facing heightened levels of hunger due to “systemic racism”. She acknowledged the sign’s presence but accused Dotson of “political violence,” alleging that he was leveraging his “white privilege” to access resources not intended for him​.

Jackson’s social media comments exacerbated the situation. She labeled Dotson as a “Karen,” attributing the pantry’s relocation to him. She asserted that the relocation aligned with her mission, centered on empowering Black and Indigenous communities. Despite claiming that the relocation wasn’t a response to the backlash, the Sanctuary Covenant Church expressed concerns about the discriminatory practices, leading to the pantry’s move.

Taxpayer-Funded Minneapolis Food Pantry Bans Whites From Accessing Resources tco/7JoFGnNHpD #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit

— PatPeters,PhD. (@PatVPeters) September 30, 2024

The church clarified that although it initially supported Jackson’s initiative, her exclusionary policies contradicted the church’s inclusive values. The church suggested Jackson revise her policy to make the pantry accessible to all individuals in need, but Jackson refused. Consequently, the pantry was instructed to leave its premises by the end of September 2024.

Jackson’s position has attracted substantial criticism, with many questioning the legality of her actions considering the project’s funding source from taxpayer money. Critics argue that while the grant targeted marginalized groups, it was inappropriate to outright bar individuals based on their race. The incident has become a focal point in conversations regarding racial equity, discrimination, and the proper usage of public funds.

Despite the opposition, Jackson remains steadfast in her belief that the pantry aims to combat systemic injustices faced by African American and Indigenous communities.

Reportedly, the pantry has distributed over 2,000 pounds of food, and Jackson asserts that restricting access was crucial to ensure that these “historically underserved communities” received sufficient assistance​.