MDW Cares Launches “SNAP to It” to Support Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity
- The Modern Domestic Woman
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
MDW Cares, a Tri-Cities-based nonprofit dedicated to women’s mental health, community care, and advocacy, has launched “SNAP to It,” a local mutual-aid initiative providing grocery store gift cards to Kane County residents struggling to make ends meet while waiting for their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to return or renew.
“When SNAP benefits are delayed, the impact is immediate,” said Elizabeth Rago, Founder of MDW Cares. “Families who are already doing everything they can, working, caregiving, balancing multiple jobs, are suddenly left wondering how to feed their kids that week. We believe no one should face that kind of fear alone.”
From Personal Struggle to Collective Action
Rago’s compassion for families in crisis comes from personal experience.
“From 2010 to 2013, my family went through a series of events that left us broken, mentally, physically, and financially,” Rago shared. “We were embarrassed, exhausted, and afraid. I remember staring at an empty fridge, wondering how we were going to feed our kids, buy diapers, or put gas in the car.”
During that period, Rago discovered how isolating financial hardship could be. Searching for help felt overwhelming and impersonal.
“I didn’t want to scroll through Google or insurance lists,” she said. “I needed referrals from someone I trusted, real people pointing me toward real support.”
Out of that experience grew The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW), first as a lifestyle blog, and later as a movement grounded in real-life support. Today, MDW Cares is its nonprofit arm, a space where women and families can find trusted mental health, social service, and community resources without stigma or judgment.
“I know what it feels like to pretend you have it all together while you’re drowning behind closed doors,” said Rago. “That’s why we created MDW Cares, and now “SNAP to It” to remind people they’re not alone.”
Mutual Aid in Action
“SNAP to It” is built on the principle of mutual aid with neighbors helping neighbors. Donations collected through the MDW Cares website are used to purchase grocery store gift cards, which are then distributed confidentially to local residents in need.
MDW Cares’ approach centers around dignity, trust, and shared humanity. There are no hoops to jump through, just direct help, rooted in compassion.
“Food insecurity isn’t a failure of effort,” said Rago. “It’s a reflection of people not being paid a living wage often combined with unexpected life events. As a community, we can choose to respond with empathy and action.”
How to Get Involved
Community members can contribute directly at the MDW Cares website, where every dollar goes toward grocery store gift cards for local families. Those in need of assistance can fill out a simple, confidential request form.
MDW Cares’ “SNAP to It” campaign is a reminder that true community care isn’t theoretical. It’s about showing up, one grocery card at a time.
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