Sturgis pro-democracy demonstration, food drive aim to fill gaps left by government shutdown

A community-led demonstration and food drive will take place Friday, November 7, at Memorial Park in Sturgis, as part of ongoing gatherings organized by St. Joseph County Forward, a private citizen group focused on promoting civic participation and democratic engagement in St. Joseph County and neighboring areas. 

The event runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Participants are invited to gather at the south end of Memorial Park, near the intersection of Centreville Road and U.S. 12, for what organizer Kay Davis describes as a peaceful, “pro-democracy sidewalk demonstration.” Extra signs will be available for anyone who wishes to join. 

At the same time, a food drive collection will be held on the north end of the park — residents do not need to take part in the demonstration to contribute food. Organizers said donations will be delivered Monday morning to the St. Joseph County United Way, which distributes food across the county through local programs and partner agencies. Suggested donations include nonperishable food, personal hygiene items, and monetary contributions by cash, check, or credit card. Credit card donations can be made by phone through United Way at (269) 467-9099, designating the gift for the Community Over Chandeliers collection drive.

A local response to federal chaos

The food drive comes as the federal government’s primary anti-hunger program — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — is being partially stoped by the ongoing government shutdown. Many families rely on food assistance ± about 1.4 million households in Michigan or roughly 13% statewide. 

As of November 3, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund November SNAP benefits, not including those who applied for the program this November. The announcement came after two federal judges — one in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts — ruled the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must continue SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Michigan has not taken on full responsibility for the federal stop-gap shortfalls, meaning many families are still facing uncertainty, delays, or reduced benefits. 

The name of the event — Community over Chandeliers — is in reference to the East Wing White House ballroom being built in Washington, D.C. right now. 

“A ballroom for the White House, luxury private jets for DHS, bloated salaries for unqualified ICE agents, bailouts for Argentina, and record-breaking debt for the American people,” the event’s Facebook page states.

An active community coming together

Event organizer Kay Davis said many group members are already active in community or church food pantries, and are encouraged to make a pledge to donate locally this week. “We’ve encouraged everyone to give wherever they’re able,” she said. 

SJC Forward, which currently includes about 180 members from St. Joseph County as well as nearby LaGrange and Branch counties, serves as a network to share information about pro-democracy events throughout the region. The group’s gatherings, including the monthly Sturgis demonstration, aim to provide space for residents to stand together in support of civic engagement and community service. 

Organizers emphasized that both the demonstration and food drive are open to all, regardless of political affiliation, and are intended to foster connection and mutual support. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.