Innovative solutions are emerging across the United States to address the pressing issue of food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 18 million American households faced challenges in accessing sufficient food in 2023. In Ohio, an unconventional ally has stepped up to the plate: the Toledo Public Library. Brad Reubendale, a former CEO of a unique café concept, has reimagined library spaces as centers for fighting hunger. His initiative, SAME Café, which stands for "So All May Eat," operates within the library premises and provides meals to those in need. This participation-based restaurant allows patrons to contribute through volunteering, paying what they can afford, or exchanging fresh produce for a meal.

The café collaborates closely with local farms and gardens to source most of its ingredients, ensuring fresh and nutritious meals for its guests. In Toledo, approximately one-third of the customers volunteer their time in exchange for food, while two-thirds make some form of financial contribution. The remaining patrons offer produce as payment. Rori Quinonez, a frequent visitor, highlights the café's role as a community hub where people from all walks of life converge. Inspired by the success of the first nonprofit SAME Café in Denver, founded by Libby and Brad Birky in 2007, Reubendale aimed to bring this model to public spaces where those in need could easily access support. He believes libraries are among the last truly public spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of their financial status.

Reubendale’s personal experience adds depth to his commitment. After losing his job as a pastor and becoming homeless, he found solace and support at the SAME Café in Denver. For him, the café represents more than just a place for food; it symbolizes dignity and self-help. “It’s about maintaining dignity, not just providing food,” he emphasizes. Reubendale advocates for a model that empowers individuals to help themselves, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Through initiatives like SAME Café, libraries are evolving into vital community hubs that address both immediate needs and long-term social issues, promoting a culture of self-reliance and solidarity.