TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Community organizations across Northwest Ohio are expanding food assistance programs as the federal government struggles to fully fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.
Churches, community groups and restaurants are providing free meals and food pantry services to help fill the gap for families facing food insecurity.
United at Compassion Church in Toledo has operated a food pantry every Monday for decades.
Bishop Chaz Boes said the church has seen demand increase as SNAP benefits were left in limbo.
“We have seen the need increase and our church, as well as the other churches in the community, are doing such an awesome job trying to help bridge the gap,” Boes said.
The church’s food pantry previously had food remaining after distribution, but that has changed in recent weeks.
“We used to have food that remained afterward. Within the last several weeks, there’s nothing left, literally everything is being emptied out, but we thank God for our partners to help us be able to do this,” Boes said.
The Buffalo Soldiers were prepared to serve 200 free meals at Norwich Apartments.
Earl Mack Jr., Toledo Buffalo Soldiers US Posts Commander, said the need is urgent for children.
“Can you imagine a kid going to bed without any food tonight and then have to get up and go to school tomorrow and try to learn?” Mack said.
One mother receiving meals said the program helps families who struggle to feed their children.
“To me, like especially the ones that moms are really can’t feed them for real, it’s good for the kids,” she said.
The organization operates under the motto “Deeds Not Words.”
State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson said community members are responding to the need from multiple areas.
“From every corner of our community, folks are stepping up,” said Hicks-Hudson, a Toledo Democrat.
Mack said the efforts are meaningful for both volunteers and families.
“It means a lot to us and it’s going to mean a lot to these families as well,” Mack said.
Hicks-Hudson said the efforts aim to prevent children and elderly residents from going without food.
“We don’t want to have hungry children, we don’t want to have the elderly having to choose between their prescription and other things in order to eat, and so therefore when the feds have decided not to do it and they use whatever reason they are, the bottom line is that we need to take care of these people,” she said.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-11-03 23:36:00
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