WEYI/WSMH: Congresswoman McDonald Rivet visits food distribution sites around Mid-Michigan

FLINT, Mich. — Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) visited food distribution sites and food pantries across Mid-Michigan on Saturday.

The visits come as representatives are urging the federal government to release $5 billion in emergency funding for SNAP programs across the country.

At the Food Pantry in the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, McDonald Rivet helped distribute food and household supplies to a line of people seeking assistance.

When speaking with people at the pantry, the congresswoman said the current climate has left people anxious.

"They're afraid. My husband and I raised six kids. I can't imagine not being able to feed them dinner before I put them to bed. They are frightened," said McDonald Rivet.

McDonald Rivet continued saying that compounding this stress is a potential health care crisis.

The Congresswoman says that over 20 million people could lose their healthcare due to Medicaid cuts and the loss of Affordable Care Act tax credits.