LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — With the federal government shutdown stretching into its second month, thousands of Allen County residents are bracing for the end of SNAP benefits. But Lima and Allen County officials say they’ve developed a plan to help ease the impact.
“We are stronger together, and I think we will prove once again that in Lima, we are going to make sure that no one gets left behind,” said Mayor Sharetta Smith.
Smith announced the creation of the Stronger Together Fund, a collaborative effort among several community partners. The fund will be housed at the Lima Community Foundation, with all donations going directly to support food assistance programs at the West Ohio Food Bank.
Smith announced the creation of the Stronger Together Fund, a collaborative effort among several community partners.
Smith said the city has received calls from residents and agencies concerned about what will happen once SNAP benefits end on Nov. 1. By working together, local agencies were able to form the new fund.
“But Lima cannot afford to sit back and wait on Washington. We have to take care of ourselves, and I'm again, extremely grateful for community partners to step up, but also grateful that this fund, stronger together is going to be able to show the power of small giving,” Smith said.
For every $1 donated, the West Ohio Food Bank can provide six meals. The organization is already seeing an increase in demand and expects that number to grow as the holidays approach. In addition to monetary support, volunteers are needed to help meet the rising need.
“We're going to be packing food boxes, so we need extra hands to help with that. We need extra hands to help with distributing food to our neighbors. So we need volunteers. We have a great volunteer base now. We have a lot of volunteers coming in, but now that we are going to increase what we're doing, we need extra volunteers that we can just make sure that those boxes are packed and we're ready to get them into the people who need them," said Tommie Harner, CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank.
The Lima Community Foundation is accepting all types of financial contributions for the Stronger Together Fund.
“You can donate a number of ways. You can donate with cash, check, credit card, even stock in securities. We can handle any type of transaction. We're really proud to be a part of this, and we're grateful that we're here and we can do this. This is this is exciting. This is what we love to do,” said Robin Frazier, executive director of the Lima Community Foundation.
October 31, 2025, Press Release from Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith:
LIMA, OHIO - Standing with community partners, faith leaders, service organizations, and residents, Mayor Sharetta Smith today announced the launch of the Stronger Together Fund - a locally driven relief effort designed to support families facing food insecurity during the ongoing federal government shutdown and temporary suspension of SNAP benefits.
Calling the initiative a "local safety valve to soften the blow while federal programs are stalled," Mayor Smith affirmed Lima's commitment to protecting families and children during uncertain times.
"While Washington debates, Lima takes care of Lima," Mayor Smith said. "We do not wait. We act. We show up. And we lift each other up-not with politics, but with compassion and community."
The Fund will be administered by the Lima Community Foundation to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. While built to provide long term flexibility for future local emergencies, all dollars raised in 2025 will go directly to the West Ohio Food Bank to support families needing food assistance during the shutdown. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank provides 6 meals to individuals and families.
Mayor Smith emphasized that the Stronger Together Fund is not a replacement for existing services, but a force-multiplier for those already working tirelessly to support neighbors in need.
Local partners echoed the urgency. West Ohio Food Bank CEO Tommie Horner shared that demand has already risen as federal support stalls, stating, "The need is already growing, and this fund will help us respond faster and stronger. With every dollar providing six meals, the impact is immediate and powerful."
Schools are preparing to support students during this challenge. Lima City Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Rudolph stated, "Our students learn best when they are fed, supported, and secure. Schools are often the first to feel the impact when families struggle -and we stand with the Mayor and our partners to ensure children don't go hungry."
Service providers are also mobilizing. United Way of Greater Lima CEO and President Erin Hardesty showed continued commitment to ensuring families have easy access to support, stating, "United Way 2-1-1 is ready to help families connect to food distribution sites and critical services. We stand firmly beside the City and our partners to support families with dignity and compassion."
Faith leaders reaffirmed their role. Pastor Brian Lamont Monford of Philippian Missionary Baptist Church stressed the importance of community-led care, stating, "The church has always been a refuge in times of need. We are proud to support this effort and open our doors to help feed families. This is faith in action - loving our neighbors, lifting one another up, and walking together through hardship."
Joining city and nonprofit partners, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Mu Omega Chapter announced its support during the launch. Chapter President Robin Frazier highlighted the sorority's long-standing commitment to community and service. Frazier stated, "Service to all mankind is our mission, and that includes stepping forward when families in our community need us most. The Sigma Mu Omega Chapter is honored to stand with Mayor Smith and our partners to ensure children and families have food, dignity, and hope during this crisis."
Mayor Smith noted that this model - community-powered, fast-moving, and locally rooted -will serve Lima beyond this moment.
"This model lets us act quickly without waiting on appropriations. It builds on local trust and infrastructure. And it shows Lima is not passive - we refuse to let bureaucratic delay penalize families."
How to Give
Donate online: Click Here
Or use QR Code:
Or by mail:
Stronger Together Fund
c/o Lima Community Foundation
PO Box 1086, Lima, OH 45802-1086
Volunteer & Host Sites
Volunteers needed to assist with food distribution
Churches, schools & civic spaces invited to host distribution sites
To sign up:
West Ohio Food Bank www.westohiofoodbank.org or call 419-222-7946
How Families Can Receive Support
Call United Way 2-1-1for food assistance and resource referrals
About the Stronger Together Fund
The Stronger Together Fund is Lima's community-powered response fund designed to support residents through crisis and need. While structured to serve future emergencies, all donations made in 2025 will support the West Ohio Food Bank in feeding families affected by the federal shutdown and temporary pause in SNAP benefits. The Fund is hosted by the Lima Community Foundation and powered by community generosity.
