SNAP It Forward: How a Simple Idea Fed 300 Families

When the federal government paused SNAP benefits earlier this fall, many families across the country suddenly faced an impossible question: How am I going to feed my family this week?

As farmers, we felt that question deep in our bones. Food is what we do — it’s what we’re called to do. And we couldn’t just stand by.

Seeing the Abundance Around Us

Our CSA season had wrapped up. Our wholesale contracts were fulfilled. But as we looked out over the farm that Monday morning, we saw abundance everywhere. The fields were still full — vibrant collard greens stretching across several acres, beautiful heads of cauliflower, smaller winter squashes lying in the rows, and coolers filled with onions waiting for their next destination.

It didn’t feel right to let that food go to waste when so many were struggling.

So we decided to do something about it.

Sonia from Sonia Organics helped us identify the community who needed our support!

A Seed of an Idea: “SNAP It Forward”

We called up our friend Sonia from Sonia Organics, who works closely with community networks in Toledo. “What if we harvested what’s left and gave it away to families affected by the SNAP pause?” we asked. Sonia didn’t hesitate: “Let’s do it.”

By Tuesday, she had mobilized volunteers and arranged a pickup site at Tatum Park. We set a goal to fill hundreds of boxes with fresh, organic vegetables — and had just four days to make it happen.

A larger crew spent an hour picking up winter squash. Ouch! Lots of bending!

Harvest Day: Community in Motion

We sent out an email and posted on social media, inviting anyone who wanted to help to join us for a one-day harvest.

Eighty volunteers showed up.

We divided into teams — one crew harvesting collards, another gathering winter squash, another packing produce in the packing shed. Students from local schools came out to help, picking and sorting vegetables alongside our regular crew. There was laughter, sweat, teamwork, and this overwhelming feeling that something good — something bigger than us — was happening.

Bags of produce were passed out to community members.

Distribution Day: Operation SNAP It Forward

By Friday, November 7, the boxes were packed and ready to go. Each one brimmed with fresh cauliflower, kale, collards, celery, turnips, and winter squash — real food, grown with love.

At Tatum Park, volunteers and families gathered for four hours of pure joy. We distributed food to roughly 300 families. The energy was electric — joy, relief, gratitude, and hope all mingling together.

Every leg of this race mattered:

• The farmers who decided to share the crop.

• The harvesters and box packers.

• The community organizer and delivery driver.

• The people praying behind the scenes.

• The ones who spread the word on Facebook, radio, and TV.

• The pickup site crew who passed out boxes.

• The kids who came and felt the power of helping others.

Every person was part of the solution.

The Ripple Effect

Looking back, we see how this started as a small idea (just a spark!!) and turned into something much greater. Once we took that first step, help came out of the woodwork. Volunteers, connections, and opportunities appeared out of nowhere.

This was a God thing.

We witnessed firsthand how generosity multiplies when people follow that inner nudge to do good.

Over 300 families benefitted from this spontaneous act of kindness. But the ripple effect will be far reaching.

The Lesson of Abundance

This experience reminded us of something we forget too easily: Abundance is everywhere. Sometimes it’s hiding in plain sight — in a field of unharvested collards, in an unused network of friends, in a single “what if” idea.

When we look for it, and when we’re brave enough to move it forward, that abundance begins to flow — feeding bodies, healing hearts, and knitting communities together.

Never underestimate the power you have to channel your gifts for good. Even if it feels like you “don’t have much,” take one small step. That step can inspire dozens more.

We’re learning to see where God is already at work, and then to join Him there.

Here’s to many more moments like this one.
❤️ Corinna and Kurt Bench
Shared Legacy Farms