Uncertainty putting a strain on local food bank that helps feed people in 8 counties

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A lot of uncertainty continues to surround the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It helps millions of people put food on the table. And that uncertainty is putting more strain on local food banks.

To help fill the gap in our area, we’re hosting our Hope for the Hungry Food Drive this week.

The numbers tell the story. According to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, one in seven adults and one in five children in our region experience food insecurity.

That doesn’t mean people have no food, it means they don’t have enough, or access to healthy food and sometimes, they don’t know where their next meal will come from.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds of food leave the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank and go into the community every month. It’s distributed to more than 170 partner agencies in eight Northwestern Ohio counties. Those include soup kitchens, food pantries and programs that help feed children and seniors.

“We are here to be a safety net, to help those going through rough times and need assistance for whatever reason. How do we help fill the gap, help fill the void? What else can we do? Do we partner deeper with our agencies, not just for the holidays, but every day in between?” Barbara Hofstetter, the director of operations, said.

The uncertainty surrounding SNAP right now is adding another layer to that work.

“We’re trying to keep up on the current status. It seems to be changing every day,” Hofstetter said.

“Have you lost sleep?” 13 Action News reporter Lissa Guyton asked.

“Every night, every night. It’s always something,” Hofstetter said.

And it’s important to remember that whatever you can give adds up to a lot of help.

“Every donation counts, every donation of food no matter if it’s a can of food or a pallet of food, no matter if it is $1 or $100, it is all meaningful,” Hofstetter said.

As they face challenges three words drive the staff and volunteers to keep going, no matter the headwinds, they may be facing.

“Our mission is to feed, educate and empower. Is that getting harder to do? It is, but we have great leadership, community and partners and we will get through this, too,” Hofstetter said.

There are a lot of ways you can help make sure people are getting the food they need. You can donate to our Hope for the Hungry Food Drive. You can also donate money, host a food drive, or volunteer.

To learn more about getting involved, click here.

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