Wooster neighbors rally to fight hunger amid SNAP shutdown

Food insecurity and hunger are present in the community, and just over 10% of Wooster residents live at or below the poverty line. Because of the government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were not distributed to 1.4 million Ohioans on Nov. 1. 

The Wooster Advocacy Group organized a food drive Sunday, Nov. 2 from 1-3 p.m. to fill the “SNAP gap” in local community members’ pantries. About 20 volunteers and many more people who donated food — and about 125 residents who needed food — met on the Wooster square under the pavilion.

The event was a food “give and take,” where all were welcome to take what they needed and give what they could. Donations included everything from mac and cheese to farm-fresh eggs, potatoes, cereal, canned goods, olive oil and more. 

“I am so thankful to everyone who donated food or their time to make this event successful,” said Tyler Owens, who helped put the event together. 

Some people dropped off gift cards to local grocery stores in addition to food items. A separate table had information about how to donate to or get assistance from area organizations that also provide food aid. 

“Community is what makes Wooster great," said Bonnie Nair, one of the main organizers. "We have so many generous individuals, ready to help at a moment’s notice. I was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers and volumes of donations. Wooster comes together when there’s a need to fill.”

People who came to pick up food included SNAP recipients, federal workers in the community who are going without pay and other workers whose wages are not keeping up with rising prices at the grocery store. 

People may have trouble putting food on their tables for many reasons. 

“While some Ohio lawmakers are looking into ways to continue the program for Ohio residents, we as a community need to act now to keep our neighbors fed,” said Elora Agsten, another organizer. 

Many boxes of donated food also went to the Wooster Community Kitchen and into free, easily accessible pantries around Wooster and Wayne County.

The Wooster Advocacy Group can be reached at woosteradvocacy@gmail.com and meets every second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave. Everyone is welcome at meetings.

Those who wish to contribute financially may consider donating to local organizations that regularly support community needs, including The Hope Center, Homeward Bound, Trinity UCC Breakfast Program, People to People Ministries, United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Wooster Community Kitchen, and Wooster Community Gardens and Greens.

Several local food pantries receive supplies from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, where individuals can choose to donate or volunteer. More information can be found at https://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/.