Tiffin Together, feeding neighbors

TIFFIN — The Tiffin community is coming together Sunday to share time, talent and treasure with neighbors in need. As the country endured the government shutdown, Bob Stine, owner of GW's Fine Food & Spirits, said, "I was thinking about the fact that there's a lot of people in need, and now there are more," due to the pause in SNAP funding. Stine said he noticed AJ's Heavenly Pizza was offering a free slice of pizza and bottle of water to those with a SNAP card, and wondered if the community could "all get together and make a difference to help our friends and neighbors." Stine said he began to contact fellow business owners last Saturday, November 8, and quickly discovered the giving nature of the Tiffin community. "I found out how generous they are," he said. Five short days after beginning a quest "to feed everyone," a group of Tiffin restaurants has come together to offer a free community meal Sunday, November 16. Tiffin Together will take place from 2-6 p.m. at The Chandelier Community Center in downtown Tiffin, 151 S. Washington St. No reservations are needed. The event is intended to help those with SNAP benefits or anyone in need. "We won't turn anyone away," Stine said. "We'll make as much food as we need." Food will be prepared at individual restaurants, he said, and brought to The Chandelier to be served to guests. Stine said the key to making Tiffin Together a reality was the use of The Chandelier. Owner Tom Fretz is offering the event space free of charge, Stine said, "and is a big part of the event." Stine said he and other sponsors "are sad for those who are hurting," and hopes they know "we all care." The following businesses are contributing to Tiffin Together: The Chandelier, Paulette's, MST Pub, GW's Fine Food and Spirits, Stiney's Tavern, Clover Club, Fort Ball Pizza, Kendra's Cakes, Reino's, Jolly's, Tiffin Paper Company, Hempy Water, Smith Family Foods, Heavenly Pizza, Rock Run Bulk Foods, Molyet's Farm Market, Carmie's BBQ & Grill, BNE BBQ, Ballreich Potato Chips, Bookmyer Printing, Bailiwick's Coffee, and Simply Susan's.