Food Assistance Is Diminishing. Here’s How Our Community Can Respond.

Contributors: Rosa Baker, Robin Henderson, R. Alan Wight, Alexandra Gonzales, Jasmine Robinson

As the federal government engaged in the longest shutdown in history and Congress remained without a new budget, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have not been distributed in November. This means thousands of people across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana are losing access to critical food support, even as need continues to rise. As the Trump administration also battles federal judges’ orders to at least issue partial payment, it’s not expected to be enough and will still be delayed in hitting participants’ SNAP cards.

What Is SNAP and How Does It Work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as food stamps — is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, providing grocery assistance to about 1 in 8 Americans. Created in 1964, SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food by supplementing their grocery budgets. Benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at participating grocery stores and markets. Funds can be used for food and seeds or plants to grow food, but not for hot prepared meals, household supplies, alcohol, or tobacco.

Eligibility is based on household income, size, and expenses, with priority given to families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. On average, participants receive about $190 per person per month, though benefit levels vary depending on income and living costs. Many SNAP households include someone who works but still struggles to meet basic needs. Because the program directly reduces food insecurity, interruptions to SNAP — like the current lapse caused by the federal government shutdown — can have an immediate and devastating impact on millions of Americans, including tens of thousands here in our region.

The Impact on Our Region

Food insecurity is already at crisis levels across our region. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and further shared through shutdown updates by WVXU, here’s who relied on SNAP benefits in 2023:

• Ohio’s 1st Congressional District: 41,000 households (12% of all households)
• Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District: 44,000 households (14%)
• Ohio’s 8th Congressional District: 30,000 households (10%)
• Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District: 28,000 households (9%)
• Indiana’s 9th Congressional District: 20,000 households (6%)

In Hamilton County alone, residents are losing access to nearly $19 million in food assistance. That loss has affected approximately 96,000 people, including 43,000 children.

Food banks and pantries across Greater Cincinnati are facing immense strain from increased demand and many families face impossible choices between paying bills or putting food on the table.

Find Resources Near You

If you or someone you know needs food support, there are many resources from public institutions available across our region:

• 513Relief.org
• Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Food Resources
• Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Food Resources
• Cincy Freeze & Feed
• Community Action Agency (CAA)
• Freestore Foodbank
• Garden of Joy Resource Guide
• SAFE Networks November Newsletter
• United Way Food Resources Map

Produce Perks is also matching remaining SNAP dollars on your card up to $25 at farmers’ markets and $15 at grocery stores.

You Can Help Our Community

Even small acts of generosity can make a big difference right now. It is time to pull together as a community and to activate the change we want to see.

Give Financially or In-Kind

If you are able, please consider donating to a local food pantry or soup kitchen. Monetary gifts go further than ever, but in-kind donations of shelf-stable items, fresh produce, or prepared meal kits are also deeply appreciated.

Host a Food Drive or Care Package Party

Gather your family, friends, or coworkers to assemble meal kits or pantry boxes. Hosting a care package party can be a meaningful and fun way to support your community during this difficult time.

Feed a Neighbor 

If you know someone struggling, reach out. Share a dinner, prepare a freezer meal, or invite neighbors for a block party potluck. Often, the first step is simply checking in and asking how they’re doing or just showing up with a hot meal!

Volunteer Your Time

With SNAP benefits halted, local foodbanks and soup kitchens are experiencing overwhelming demand. Volunteer shifts are critical right now. Your hands and heart can help ensure these vital services continue.

Support Local Businesses Giving Back and Grassroots Efforts

Several local businesses are stepping up to help, including local bookstores who have organized Shutdown Sundays, where profits from every Sunday of the shutdown will be donated to a local pantry. 

Here are some examples:

• The Bookery is donating to Freestore Foodbank
• Downbound Books is supporting CAIN (Churches Active in Northside)
• BookMatters is contributing to Impacting Tomorrow

Local restaurants and bakeries are also offering free meals to families in need. Supporting these businesses helps extend their impact even further. Cincinnati Magazine is updating this running list of local businesses offering additional resources and hot meals.

Learn More

• What is SNAP and How Does It Work? – WHYY
• CPS Bringing Food to Families at Home as Hunger Rates Reach All-Time High – Local12
• Hamilton County Allocates Aid to Freestore Foodbank Amid SNAP Uncertainty – Local12
• SNAP Ohio: What the Shutdown Means for Families – WLWT

We’re Strong Together

Our community has always shown resilience in the face of hardship and this moment is no different. Whether through a donation, a meal shared, or a few hours volunteered, your compassion will help keep neighbors nourished and hopeful.

If you know of any additional food resources or initiatives not listed here, please reach out to rosa@greenumbrella.org so we can update this guide and keep our network informed.

Together, we can make sure no one in our region goes hungry, even during challenging times.