A taxpayer-funded food pantry in Minneapolis has sparked widespread controversy for allegedly banning white people from accessing its resources. The Food Trap Project Bodega, run by Mykela “Keiko” Jackson, was established in July 2024 using a Minnesota state grant aimed at addressing “hunger in Black and Indigenous communities”. However, Jackson's decision to restrict services to specific racial groups has drawn sharp criticism and led to the pantry's closure and relocation.
The controversy began when Chaplain Howard Dotson, a white man, visited the pantry near the Sanctuary Covenant Church. Dotson reported seeing a sign that explicitly discouraged non-Black and non-Indigenous individuals from using the service. The sign reportedly read, "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.twitter.com/VxkhkMNR0l
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) September 30, 2024
Jackson defended her actions, asserting that the pantry was specifically intended to serve African American and Indigenous families, as the community faces disproportionate rates of hunger due to “systemic racism”. She did not deny posting the sign but accused Dotson of "political violence," arguing that he was taking advantage of his "white privilege" to claim resources not meant for him.
Jackson's social media posts fueled the controversy further. She referred to Dotson as a "Karen," blaming him for causing the pantry's relocation. She stated that the decision to move was necessary to align with her mission, which she described as focused on Black and Indigenous empowerment. Jackson also claimed the move had nothing to do with the backlash, though the Sanctuary Covenant Church expressed concerns over the discriminatory nature of the services, ultimately prompting the pantry's relocation.
Taxpayer-Funded Minneapolis Food Pantry Bans Whites From Accessing Resources https://t.co/7JoFGnNHpD #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— PatPeters,PhD. (@PatVPeters) September 30, 2024
The church clarified that while it initially supported Jackson’s project, her exclusionary practices did not align with the church’s values of inclusivity. The church had asked Jackson to revise her policy and open the pantry to all in need, but she refused. As a result, the pantry was ordered to vacate its location by the end of September 2024.
Jackson’s stance has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the legality of her actions, given that the project was funded by taxpayer dollars. Critics argue that while the grant targeted marginalized communities, it was inappropriate to outright ban individuals based on race. The incident has become a flashpoint in discussions about racial equity, discrimination, and the appropriate use of public funds.
Despite the backlash, Jackson remains firm in her belief that the pantry's mission is to address systemic injustices faced by African American and Indigenous groups.
The pantry has reportedly distributed over 2,000 pounds of food, and Jackson claims that restricting access was necessary to ensure that these “historically underserved communities” received adequate support.
