USDA Funding pause threatens Toledo food bank support, nonprofits brace for impact

TOLEDO, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has paused nearly $500 million in funding for food assistance programs, a move by the Trump administration aimed at cutting federal spending. The decision could significantly impact emergency food programs nationwide, including in Toledo, where organizations like the SeaGate Food Bank rely on federal support to assist local nonprofits.

One such nonprofit, Mustard Seed Outreach Ministry in Point Place, serves approximately 300 people per month. Director Erin Kilburn said the funding cuts could potentially force them to find alternative resources to continue their mission.

“We will rely a lot more on area churches and community donations,” said Kilburn. “We already rely on them, but if we get cut from SeaGate, we’ll have to ask for even more donations to get us through.”

Mustard Seed orders food from SeaGate once a month and receives weekly extras to meet the community’s needs. Kilburn emphasized that without federal funding, both SeaGate and the nonprofits it supports will struggle.

“And I know SeaGate needs the help too, but it will directly impact us,” said Kilburn.

Local residents are urging the community to step up in response to the funding cuts. Sydney Bennett, a Point Place resident, said now is the time for neighbors to come together.

“I think everybody’s struggling a little bit right now,” said Bennett. “The community is just going to have to do what they can to help everybody out so we can all make it and be all right.”

Kilburn echoed that sentiment, saying Mustard Seed will need “all hands on deck” moving forward.

“The impact that SeaGate has on us will directly affect the 300 people we serve each month,” she said. “We will need extra support to get through this time.”

With federal funding uncertain, local organizations are calling on the community to help bridge the gap and ensure that vulnerable residents continue to receive the food assistance they rely on it.