The campaign launched on October 29 to support local families who experienced food insecurity during the recent lapse in SNAP food assistance benefits and will continue as many households work to recover.

Strange Matter Store Manager Gianna Taracks said the initiative reflects the company’s focus on supporting the local community, especially as families continue to struggle with food access.

"We take a lot of pride in our community," Taracks said. "Seeing the SNAP benefits being taken away from so many families that are in desperate need of help, we wanted to step up in any way we could."

According to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, more than 100,000 people in the region, including an estimated 24,000 children, are expected to experience food insecurity this year. Strange Matter's donation drive aims to help fill that gap by collecting needed items, such as canned proteins, boxed meals and baby food, through the end of 2025.

Resident of Delta Township Chelsea Phillips said she first heard about the initiative through Instagram and that Strange Matter is her favorite coffee shop.

"I figured it was a good opportunity to help contribute to donating," Phillips said. "We’ve also been taking items for donations to The Fledge and also to our little food pantry at our library."

Taracks said the response from the Lansing community has far exceeded expectations.

"We’ve already taken about 1,500 pounds of food to the Greater Lansing Food Bank," Taracks said. "What’s really amazing is that a lot of people aren’t even taking the free coffee. They just want to help."

Customers can receive a free drink by bringing in nonperishable food items or showing proof of a digital donation of at least five dollars to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Those who bring in one item can choose a free batch brew or cold brew, while two donated items or a digital receipt earns customers any drink on the menu.

The promotion limits one free drink per customer per day, and will continue through the end of 2025, or until full SNAP benefits are restored.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank encourages donations of high-protein items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, beans and boxed meals. Other essentials include rice, cereal and canned fruits and vegetables. Donations in glass containers or opened packages are not accepted.

"It’s just heartwarming," Taracks said. "We’ve had people from all over Lansing bring in bags of food, some who say they just found extra cans in their cupboards and wanted to help. It’s really a light of hope for all of us."