As uncertainty with the funding of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown continues, local groups in Toledo are stepping in to ensure families don’t go hungry.
TOLEDO, Ohio — As uncertainty with the funding of SNAP benefits continues, community groups across Toledo are stepping in to ensure families don’t go hungry. Among them, the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club traded in their bikes for a grill this weekend, serving hot meals to residents of the Norwich Apartments.
Autumn Waxler and her 4-year-old daughter were among the dozens lined up for a warm plate of food.
“I feel like them (the Buffalo Soldiers) stepping up to give the people food, knowing that the stamps are being jeopardized right now, is actually a really good thing because people out here are probably going to start starving,” Waxler said. “A lot of people can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket.”
When news spread that SNAP assistance might be disrupted, the Buffalo Soldiers decided to act. Members grilled hamburgers and handed out meals to local families, saying their goal was to share kindness and relieve stress for those most affected.
“It gets kind of emotional at times because you’ll see families coming up, and most of these families in this complex don’t have much anyway,” said Earl Mack, president of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers. “Just to see the smile on the kids’ faces—it just does us good to be able to do this.”
The group has a long history of helping neighbors in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer Jim Rhegness said the club served about 20,000 meals at public housing sites.
“It makes you feel good,” Rhegness said. “Somewhere down the line, someone helped me, and now I’m able to pay it forward.”
For Mack, the mission is deeply personal.
“I was once a child. My mom was on assistance. I stayed in an apartment in Fort Lawrence Home, and I know what it meant when adults came around to help clothe us, to help feed us,” he said. “So, we’re just giving back.”
Meanwhile, state Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) said while the Trump administration’s decision to release partial benefits is a step in the right direction, it falls short of meeting families’ needs.
“I’m glad they’re doing something,” Hicks-Hudson said. “But I think we’re holding the least fortunate, the ones with the least power, hostage, instead of doing what he has the authority to do all along.”
The Buffalo Soldiers say they plan to continue food drops at Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority properties for as long as the SNAP funding delays persist.
This article was published by Dominique O’Neill on 2025-11-04 00:05:00
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