Ohio households relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may see delays or reduced benefits this month following statements from former President Donald Trump and federal funding interruptions tied to the ongoing government shutdown.
In a recent social media post, Trump said that SNAP benefits “will be given only when the government is opened,” suggesting payments will not be fully issued until the federal budget impasse is resolved. The post sparked confusion nationwide as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) later announced that limited contingency funds will cover roughly half of normal November benefit distributions.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), all new and pending SNAP issuances for November are suspended until federal funding resumes or further direction is received. Benefits loaded before November 1 remain accessible on EBT cards, but no new credits will appear until funding is restored.
More than 1.3 million Ohioans rely on SNAP each month, receiving an average benefit of about $190 per household, according to state data. With federal reserves only partially funding the program, state leaders have directed $25 million in emergency food aid, including funds for food banks and relief organizations.
Local food programs and pantries are bracing for increased demand if the shutdown extends into December. Officials advise recipients to maintain eligibility paperwork so benefits can resume promptly once the government reopens.
For updates, visit jfs.ohio.gov or contact a local Job and Family Services office.