By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D.
The Truth Contributor
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. – popularized by Barack Obama, originally by June Jordan
You may not have noticed, but Toledo is on the brink of a crisis.
With the federal shutdown in its fourth week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) will run out by November 1 —unless Congress unexpectedly acts at the last minute to restore funding.
That means that in just days, over 71,000 Lucas County residents—including more than 31,000 children—will lose the food support they rely on through SNAP. That’s over $13 million in grocery money that won’t reach our community, leaving families with nothing to cut and food pantries overwhelmed.
And, sadly, the financial consequences don’t stop there. The total financial harm to Lucas County is a $20.02 million monthly reduction in the county’s economy, accounting for jobs, store revenue, supplier income and other related activity.
Yet, Lawmakers remain locked in partisan battles while millions of Americans wonder how they’ll feed their children next month. The safety net that protected families in past shutdowns is gone. And, as Commissioner Pete Gerken said in his remarks at last Monday’s press conference, “Ain’t nobody coming for you!”
Facts! So, the question isn’t what Washington will do—it’s what will WE do.
Too often, in facing issues of poverty, health, or other disparities, we resort to blaming the victims. This misguided response shifts blame from systemic neglect, lack of opportunity and community disinvestment to the victim while ignoring generational barriers, discriminatory lending, redlining and job inequality, all factors that create food deserts or food insecurity.
Yet, while pointing fingers in a crisis is counterproductive, we have the power to respond constructively and effectively. We can organize. We can feed one another. And, if we move with urgency and unity, no child in Lucas County will be forced to go to bed hungry.
We must move fast. Faith communities, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups should work with the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank to coordinate space, volunteers and resources.
Schools, libraries and recreation centers might serve as neighborhood hubs for food distribution. City and county leaders, foundations, and businesses should launch a rapid-response fund to buy food in bulk and support community kitchens. Local grocers and restaurants can donate or offer discounts, protecting both families and the local economy. Social service agencies must ensure that children, seniors and those with disabilities are served first.
We’ve faced hard times before—recessions, factory closures, a global pandemic—and each time our strength has been our ability to come together. Hunger is not a personal failure; it’s a public emergency. And right now, the power to respond rests with us.
The cavalry isn’t coming.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, at drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org