TOLEDO, Ohio — A non-profit restaurant that relies on volunteers is reminding local gardeners they can help this cause feed Toledo.
Since opening last November, SAME Cafe inside the downtown Toledo Lucas County Public Library has been offering meals in exchange for donations or 30 minutes of volunteering to anyone who wants to sit down for a meal.
"Being in a library makes a lot of sense and we're so fortunate to be here," SAME Cafe executive director Cory Wolin said. "Because of the diverse audience and the population and the individuals that might not otherwise feel represented as a guest in a restaurant. To come into a space of inclusion and really emphasize that contribution outside of something that is just monetary."
Through the colder months, SAME Cafe - which stands for So All May Eat - has relied on area farmers supplying cold storage produce.
But with the turn towards warmer weather, they are putting the call out to area backyard gardeners who are willing to donate some of their garden harvest.
"Definitely [looking for] healthy greens," Wolin said. "So your lettuces, cabbages, your broccolis. I know with the upcoming spring time, asparagus is popping up."
It's the first chance for SAME Cafe to begin cultivating relationships with local gardeners and continue their mission of creating community through healthy food access.
They are also working toward full sustainability by sourcing more of their ingredients locally.
"One of the things that goes through my mind is the miles trucks have to drive from California out to Toledo Kroger, or to wherever to get produce here," employee Lee Harms said. "And if we can get that locally, that's huge. And support local farmers too."
SAME Café has also helped develop an app called Fresh Food Connect to help gardeners connect with the cafe or other hunger relief organizations.
"Not only can you be a grower, you can be a volunteer and serve the food, you can be a volunteer and actually prep the food as well, and then also be a recipient of eating the cuisine as well," Wolin said.
SAME Cafe's annual fundraising event, Same Table, will be held April 27 at the Glass City Center.
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