The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services last week warned that if the federal government shutdown continues, there will be a delay in new issuances of SNAP benefits beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. And the Trump administration has said it would not tap into nearly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep the food assistance program powered.
More than 1.4 million Ohioans use federal food assistance, according to state data. In Montgomery County, more than 83,000 residents rely on SNAP to help feed their families.
Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice said the decision to provide additional support to Foodbank Inc. is a move the county is making to support an anticipated uptick in families seeking food assistance through their local pantries.
According to the Foodbank, Inc., roughly one in four children don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
“Right now, families are extremely anxious and unsure of what the future will bring. They are doing everything they can to stretch what little they have to make things come together,” said Rice. “We know that when families start to worry about their next meal, there’s no time to wait. Partnering with the food bank is the fastest, most effective way to get help to those who need it right now.”
Hours after the Thursday morning check presentation and press conference at Foodbank Inc., Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order directing the state job and family services department to direct up to $25 million to food assistance efforts.
This includes $7 million to regional food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds and another $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohio Works First recipients.
Ohio Democrats earlier this week proposed authorizing the state of Ohio to use about $263 million of its nearly $4 billion “rainy day” or Budget Stabilization Fund to continue funding SNAP benefits in Ohio in the event of a federal lapse. The proposal was voted down on party lines.
State Sen. Willis Blackshear, D-Dayton, said on Thursday that state and federal leaders need to “step up” to ensure the veterans, people with disabilities, older Ohioans and children whom SNAP supports do not go hungry because of the federal shutdown.
“People are depending on us to make these decisions, and this is crucial,” he said.
This county’s $500,000 award comes a month after the commission canceled the fall funding cycle for its Economic Development/Government Equity program to pivot $1 million to Foodbank Inc.
ED/GE typically provides funding twice annually to support job creation, business expansion and community growth through partnerships with local jurisdictions.
Foodbank Inc. CEO Michelle Riley said her organization is grateful for the county’s support.
“If you’re in the room today, you’re here because you’re part of the solution and not part of the problem,” Riley said Thursday.
Avery Kreemer contributed to this report.
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