More than 1.4 million Ohioans could see their food assistance disrupted if the federal government shutdown continues into November, leaving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding in question. News 5 Cleveland reports that Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration is assessing what options the state has to support residents if benefits lapse.
Cuyahoga County alone has about 190,000 people who rely on SNAP. Local food banks are preparing for increased demand should federal dollars stop flowing. One Cleveland resident told the station she needs the assistance “to live,” adding that without food, she can’t take her medication properly.
DeWine said his team is looking into what’s possible to help families if the program is interrupted. State lawmakers are also reviewing a proposal that would temporarily fund SNAP and WIC through state emergency reserves if federal support halts.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, states can only issue benefits for as long as federal funding remains available. If Congress fails to approve a spending bill soon, November distributions could be delayed or suspended.
Food banks across Ohio say they’re bracing for a surge in need. As one local official put it, ‘for every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine,’ underscoring how critical the program is to preventing hunger in communities statewide.