As the federal government shutdown continues, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has stepped in to update the public on state measures to support families hit by the halt of federal food assistance. With the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on pause, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is mulling over new federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on potentially providing partial SNAP benefits for November. However, without a quick fix to the shutdown, these benefits won’t materialize this week, according to a statement released by the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office.
Meanwhile, DeWine reassured that his previously announced plan, committing up to $25 million to food assistance, is still in motion. This plan includes $7 million distributed among regional food banks across Ohio, with allocations based on each’s share of the SNAP caseload. For instance, Freestore Foodbank received $795,637.50, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank was given $1,170,837.50. Other food banks across the state have also received commensurate funding, all in an effort to bridge the gap posed by the suspension of federal aid.
In addition to supporting food banks, the Governor’s strategy involves directing ODJFS to provide up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to over 63,000 Ohioans. These individuals, most of whom are children, live at or below 50% of the federal poverty level and are beneficiaries of Ohio Works First (OWF). Should the shutdown extend through November, this move effectively doubles their monthly OWF benefit, according to the Governor’s announcement. DeWine’s office has projected that the first installment of these emergency benefits should reach OWF recipients by Friday, Nov. 7…