LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Although the federal government shutdown has ended, local leaders say the need for assistance is far from over.
On Thursday, the Lima Black Ministerial Alliance announced a $5,500 donation to the “Stronger Together Fund,” which supports the West Ohio Food Bank. The fund is a partnership between the United Way of Greater Lima, the Lima Community Foundation and Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith. It was created to provide rapid financial support for families facing food insecurity during uncertain times.
On Thursday, the Lima Black Ministerial Alliance announced a $5,500 donation to the Stronger Together Fund.
Mayor Smith said the shutdown intensified an already serious issue.
“We are grateful that the federal shutdown is ending, but when you are a family in poverty or experiencing food insecurity, you know one missed month of your benefits can really set you back, and food insecurity is not going to go away because the government has opened back up,” Smith said.
Rev. Arthur Butler, president of the Lima Black Ministerial Alliance, said the organization felt compelled to step in.
“We felt like it was very important, because we see struggling families throughout our ministries,” Butler said. “Our kids are in the vicinity, and when they can’t be fed, it’s time for us to stand up and feed our children and to get on board with what needs to be done to protect our community.”
West Ohio Food Bank officials report an 11% increase in demand for assistance since the shutdown began.
