DeWine Announces $25M to Help Ohio Families as Federal SNAP Shutdown Looms
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order to provide up to $25 million in emergency food assistance as the federal government shutdown threatens to pause the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The move aims to protect families facing rising food insecurity.
The order directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to send $7 million to regional food banks and up to $18 million in emergency benefits to more than 63,000 low-income Ohioans, including 57,000 children living at or below 50% of the federal poverty level.
Without federal action, more than 1.4 million Ohioans, who collectively receive $264 million in monthly SNAP assistance, could lose benefits starting Nov. 1. DeWine urged the U.S. Senate to pass a continuing resolution to restore funding, calling this emergency state funding only a temporary workaround.
Through the plan, Ohio Works First recipients will have their monthly assistance effectively doubled during the lapse, receiving weekly installments so the state can adjust immediately once federal benefits resume. ODJFS expects families to begin receiving emergency support by Nov. 7.
State leaders stressed that while Ohio’s action will help families in crisis, only federal funding can fully restore long-term food security. Food banks will begin receiving resources immediately to support front-line community relief.
This emergency support recognizes that children must not be deprived of access to food. Every child has the right to an adequate standard of living and essential nutrition, and governments must take all possible measures to ensure their survival, well-being, and healthy development.
