Emergency Effort to Feed Neighbors Amid Potential Federal Shutdown
Toledo Pastors Launch Emergency Effort to Feed Neighbors Amid Potential Federal Shutdown
Toledo, OH — Pastors Earl Harris and David Kaiser are calling upon churches and citizens across the Toledo area to take immediate action to prevent hunger if federal food assistance programs are interrupted.
“We are days away from seeing 66,035 Toledoans going hungry,” said Pastor Kaiser. “Beyond being frustrated, we ask our community — what are we going to do about it? Others can debate who is to blame and how to fix our system. We want to see the Church step into it’s mission to serve Jesus by serving His people”
“We live in the wealthiest nation in history,” said Pastor Harris. He reminds people that Jesus said “The righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Throughout history, it has been the Church that has stepped up during times of crisis — from famines to depressions — providing food, shelter, and hope when government systems faltered. Harris and Kaiser believe this moment calls for the same spirit of service and unity.
A Call to Action
The Pastors are urging every congregation to begin emergency food drives immediately. They hope each and every church will select a distribution partner from one of the emergency food pantries, or set up a distribution in their own building.
• Churches are asked to organize teams to prepare hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for quick distribution. This is a simple way to help others.
• Families are encouraged to buy a few extra non-perishable items during grocery trips and donate them to local food pantries.
There are approximately 50 food pantries operating across the Toledo area. Residents can find daily updates and donation opportunities at Help Feed Toledo on Facebook, curated by Barb Kovacs.
“There are 199,271 Toledoans not in poverty,” Pastor Kaiser noted. “That gives us roughly a 3:1 ratio of potential providers to those in need. It’s not ideal, but it’s actionable. Let’s do more than blame others — let’s take action.”
A Community UnitedChurches, community groups, and individuals interested in joining the initiative are encouraged to contact either of the pastors for coordination and distribution logistics.
Contact:
Pastor Earl Harris Pastor David Kaiser
Vision Ministries Toledo Mosaic Ministries of South Toledo
[email protected] [email protected]
567.868.4542 419.270.2582
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