In 2023, statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that eighteen million American households were grappling with food insecurity. In Ohio, a beacon of hope emerged from an unexpected quarter—the Toledo Public Library. Within the walls of the library, Brad Reubendale, the former CEO of SAME Café, undertook a transformative endeavor to combat hunger.
SAME Café, an acronym symbolizing “So All May Eat,” was the brainchild of Reubendale and operates within the confines of a local library, offering nourishing lunches to those in need. The café follows a unique model, functioning as a participation restaurant where patrons have the option to volunteer, pay what they can afford, or exchange fresh produce for a meal.
In Toledo, Ohio, approximately one-third of the café’s clientele opt to volunteer their time in exchange for a meal, while the remaining two-thirds make financial contributions in various forms. A small segment of patrons also contributes fresh produce in return for a nourishing meal. To ensure the quality and freshness of its ingredients, the café collaborates closely with local farms and gardens, sourcing most of its produce from these partnerships.
At SAME Café, the ethos is centered on inclusivity, welcoming all individuals regardless of their financial constraints. Rori Quinonez, a regular patron of the café, emphasized the diverse clientele it attracts, ranging from families and business professionals to individuals in need of additional resources. She referred to the café as a “community hub” that fosters a sense of unity among its patrons.
The origins of SAME Café trace back to Denver in 2007 when it was founded by Libby and Brad Birky. Impressed by the success of the non-profit café, Reubendale was inspired to replicate the model in locations where the most vulnerable members of society could benefit.
Reubendale articulated the significance of libraries in this endeavor, noting them as one of the few remaining public spaces that are truly inclusive. He emphasized the importance of libraries as spaces where individuals, irrespective of their financial status, can seek refuge without fear of exclusion.
For Reubendale, the mission of SAME Café holds personal significance. Following a period of adversity that saw him lose his job as a pastor and experience homelessness, the café in Denver became a vital source of support for him. Reflecting on those challenging times, he recalled visiting the café, discreetly making small donations as a gesture of gratitude for the assistance he received without having to disclose his struggles.
In his view, the operation of non-profit organizations should be spearheaded by individuals who have firsthand experience of requiring such services. For Reubendale, SAME Café transcends mere provision of food; it embodies a commitment to upholding the dignity of every individual it serves.
The underlying philosophy of SAME Café rests on the belief that genuine progress occurs when individuals are empowered to help themselves. Reubendale underscored the importance of self-reliance, asserting that true assistance is only achieved when individuals take the initiative to improve their own
