News Summary
Ohio is facing a potential crisis with SNAP benefits set to expire for 1.4 million residents due to a government shutdown. This could impact food security, particularly in Cuyahoga County, where local food banks are already struggling with increased demand and reduced resources. Officials anticipate a $35 million loss in benefits, with food banks like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank bracing for a surge in need. The USDA’s contingency funds are insufficient, risking further cuts to vital food assistance programs.
Ohio faces a looming crisis as SNAP benefits for 1.4 million residents may expire in November, amid an ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1. The potential loss of these vital food assistance funds could have a devastating impact on food security in the state, particularly in Cuyahoga County, where 190,000 individuals receive SNAP assistance. Local food banks are bracing for an increased demand for their services just as they struggle with diminished resources due to both previous funding cuts and high inflation rates.
The Cuyahoga County officials have reported that they cannot compensate for the anticipated loss of $35 million in SNAP benefits that would result from the shutdown. With the shutdown occurring because Congress failed to pass appropriations bills, critical food aid programs are at risk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicated that while contingency funds totaling around $6 billion are available, they fall short of the estimated $8.1 billion required to maintain November’s SNAP benefits.
Notably, Ohio disbursed $3.37 billion in SNAP benefits in 2023, down from the previous years, with $4.52 billion in 2022 and $4.22 billion in 2021. The distribution of SNAP funding in Ohio is staggered based on beneficiaries’ case numbers from the second to the 20th of each month. Food banks throughout the state are already facing increased demand as people prepare for the prospective cut in SNAP benefits.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) serves a six-county area, including Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland, and Richland, and anticipates meeting an increased demand by distributing at least six million pounds of food in November alone. Last fiscal year, GCFB served over 404,000 individuals, reflecting one of its highest service levels. It operates on an annual revenue of $117 million for 2024, relying on a mix of purchased food (38%), donated food (30%), federal sources (21%), and state support (11%).
In addition, the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, serving a broader area, reports that demand has currently surpassed last year’s numbers. Both food banks are dealing with ongoing pressure from earlier losses of state and federal funding. State funding cuts have resulted in a reduction of $7.5 million, or 23%, to organizations that provide vital food assistance. Furthermore, USDA cuts earlier this year included two federal programs that reduced food purchasing assistance by $420 million.
The struggles of food banks are exacerbated as they seek to find new ways to maximize donor relationships and increase their food supplies. If SNAP benefits are cut for an extended period, the capacity of food banks to meet overwhelming demand will likely be challenged significantly. Currently, for every meal provided by the food bank network, SNAP accounts for nine meals, showcasing the essential role SNAP plays in food security.
On October 24, a letter signed by Ohio congressional Democrats was sent to the USDA, urging the use of available SNAP contingency funds to avoid any disruptions. As the situation evolves, organizations are strategizing to manage supply levels and find philanthropic support to address the gaps left from lost benefits. With food insecurity on the rise, the importance of these food banks and their ability to provide support in times of crisis cannot be overstated.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19: Greater Cleveland Food Bank Receives $100K Donation
- Wikipedia: SNAP (program)
- Crain’s Cleveland: Food Banks Prepare for SNAP Shutdown
- Google Search: SNAP shutdown Ohio
- Richland Source: Greater Cleveland Food Bank Unveils New Trucks
- Google Scholar: Food Banks Ohio
- Spectrum News 1: Greater Cleveland Food Bank Cuts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- News 5 Cleveland: Federal Funding Cuts Impact Greater Cleveland Food Bank
- Google News: Greater Cleveland Food Bank
- FirstEnergy: Largest Hunger Relief Grant in Ohio
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