Ohio to Provide Up to $25 Million in Emergency Food Aid Amid Federal SNAP Pause

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVG) — Ohio lawmakers unveiled a plan Thursday to allocate up to $25 million in state aid for food assistance, aiming to support families impacted by a potential halt in federal SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.

Governor Mike DeWine will soon issue an executive order instructing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to:
– Provide $7 million to Ohio food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.
– Deliver up to $18 million in emergency relief to over 63,000 Ohioans living at or below 50% of the federal poverty level.

Key Details of the Plan
– Food Bank Funding: $7 million will go directly to regional food banks via TANF resources.
– Ohio Works First Recipients: The state’s 63,000 low-income families with children will see their monthly benefits doubled.
– Regular November benefits will be issued on Nov. 1.
– As long as federal SNAP remains paused, recipients will get additional weekly payments equal to about one-quarter of their usual monthly amount.
– Weekly disbursements allow Ohio to adjust quickly once federal funding resumes.

“While we will always do everything we can to support Ohioans who need it most, this is not a viable, long-term solution,” said Governor DeWine. “SNAP is a federal program that is specifically federally funded. The best solution remains the simplest one: pass the continuing resolution and reopen the federal government.”

SNAP in Ohio
– 1.4 million Ohioans rely on SNAP.
– Total monthly benefits: $264 million.
– Average per person: $190.

Timeline
– Food bank funds will be distributed immediately.
– Emergency relief for Ohio Works First recipients begins by Nov. 7.