By Independent Contributor Fostoria, Ohio – November 17, 2025
FOSTORIA, OH – In a town where need doesn’t wait for bureaucracy, one local woman has taken matters into her own hands. Kamiah Young, a longtime Fostoria resident, has transformed her front lawn and sidewalk into Kamiah’s Kitchen – a grassroots, no-questions-asked giveaway spot offering canned goods, non-perishable food, household items, clothing, sub sandwiches, soups, egg sandwiches, and other essentials completely free to anyone who needs them.
Every day that weather allows, tables and boxes appear outside her home stocked with donations from community members and local businesses. Neighbors stop by on foot, by car, or on bikes to pick up what they need – no forms, no appointments, no judgment.”I saw people struggling, and I couldn’t just sit by,” Kamiah shared in recent social media updates. “If I have it to give, it’s there for whoever needs it. This community raised me, and now it’s my turn to give back the best way I know how.”
Meanwhile, Questions Continue About the Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria
While Kamiah’s Kitchen fills an urgent gap with visible daily impact, the town’s official nonprofit food assistance organization – The Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria (EIN: 34-1661501) – has faced growing community scrutiny for its lack of activity despite holding substantial financial resources.
Established in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) food bank and pantry, the Sharing Kitchen once served hot meals and distributed food to those in need. However, in recent years, residents report little to no public distribution or community events.
Financial Information for The Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria (EIN: 34-1661501) from the Newly Released 2023 Form 990 (tax year ending December 31, 2023)
- Total revenue: $56,481
- Contributions, gifts, and grants: $47,239
- Investment income (interest, dividends, etc.): $9,242
- Total expenses: $26,920 (almost entirely classified as “program service expenses,” though Part III Statement of Program Service Accomplishments remains completely blank — no description of any services provided)
- Net increase in assets for 2023: $29,561
- Total net assets / fund balance at beginning of 2023: $786,155
- Total net assets / fund balance at end of 2023: $815,716
- Primary assets:
- Land, building, and equipment (net of depreciation): $30,000
- Publicly traded securities / savings & temporary cash investments: $730,280 (up from $708,868 the prior year)
- Cash (non-interest-bearing): $46,436
- No salaries, no rent, no utilities, no food purchases, no grants to others, and no other significant program-related spending listed beyond the broad $26,920 bucket.
Current Projection (as of November 17, 2025)
Assuming the same conservative pattern seen in recent years (≈3% average annual growth from interest/dividends plus modest donations minus very low expenses), the organization’s net assets are now likely in the range of $865,000 – $890,000 — well above the $800,000 community estimate that was circulating before this return became public.
In short: The Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria ended 2023 with $815,716 in net assets (mostly in cash and investments), continues to receive donations and earn investment income, spends only a small fraction each year, and still provides no public description of any active food-distribution or community-support programs on its 2023 Form 990.
The organization’s official Facebook page shows virtually no activity in years, with no recent posts about distributions, volunteer opportunities, or community meals. Local coverage by the Fostoria Free Press has repeatedly highlighted these concerns, questioning why a nonprofit with such resources appears dormant while food insecurity remains a daily reality for many residents.
The building located at 321 N Main St. Fostoria was expected to be demolished 6 months ago. It is November 17th & the building is still up. Many people have commented on The Fostoria Sharing Kitchen’s Post receiving zero response.
