TOLEDO, Ohio — Equality Toledo has reported a surge in demand for its no-barriers food pantry, with the number of families seeking assistance nearly four times the number of people in recent weeks, as the future of SNAP benefits remained uncertain during the government shutdown.
Executive Director Brent Rabie said the nonprofit has seen a dramatic rise in need. “[On] Saturday, we usually serve around 20 families, and this past Saturday, we served 65,” Rabie said. “That’s just kind of an example of the increase in need and kind of demand for the community.”
The organization launched its no-barriers pantry in 2018 to provide a safe and welcoming space for both the general community and LGBTQ residents in need of food assistance. He said this year has been especially busy…