As the federal government shutdown continues, many Ohio families are preparing for the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Saturday, November 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has stated that without new funding from Congress, no additional SNAP benefits can be distributed in November.
Earlier this week, the USDA posted a statement on its website saying:
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
More than 1.5 million Ohioans rely on SNAP to help afford groceries each month, meaning the lapse in benefits could have a significant statewide impact.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) issued a statement Monday alerting families to the situation:
“Please be advised that, if the federal government shutdown continues, you may not receive your November SNAP benefits as normally scheduled. We have asked the federal government, which pays for SNAP, for additional clarification. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share further information as the federal government provides updates.”
Locally, the Logan County Department of Job and Family Services (LCDJFS) is also monitoring the situation:
“The Agency is monitoring the local impact this crisis is having on our community. We track local food banks for availability of services and supplies. Please contact the agency for an updated list or stop by to pick up the list in our lobby.”
On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2025-06D, authorizing emergency assistance for Ohioans expected to lose access to SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues.
The order directs ODJFS to provide up to $25 million in food assistance, including:
- $7 million for regional food banks
- Up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits for more than 63,000 Ohioans, including over 57,000 children, who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level
Governor DeWine emphasized that while the state cannot fully replace federal aid, the emergency action aims to help the families most at risk.
Food bank support will begin immediately, and eligible Ohio Works First recipients are expected to receive emergency benefits beginning November 7
Locally in Logan County, here is the list of food pantries:
Buckeye Gospel Barn
206 Liberty St, Quincy, OH 43343
(937) 604-9315
Caring Friends Food Pantry
1910 County Road 130, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
(937) 592-1228
Caring Neighbors Food Pantry
9609 County Road 2, West Mansfield, OH 43358
(937) 935-8000
Five Loaves Food Pantry
(Serving residents of Riverside School District Only)
111 South Street, Quincy, OH 43343
(937) 585-5114
Give & Take
115 South Main Street, West Mansfield, OH 43358
(937) 935-6789
United Christian Services
(Serving Indian Lake School District Residents Only)
433 State Route 708, Russells Point, OH 43348
(937) 843-5496
St. Mary of the Woods – St. Vincent de Paul Russell’s Point
483 Madison Street, Russell’s Point, OH 43348
(937) 843-4792
St. Patrick’s – St. Vincent de Paul Bellefontaine
316 East Patterson Avenue, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
(937) 592-9455
Wake Up the World Ministries
600 East Brown Street, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
(567) 674-2722
The Second Harvest Food Bank has also issued the November Calendars for food distribution:
Those needing assistance can call 211 or visit 211.org for up-to-date information on food bank locations and services.
To help address the expected need, the community is also stepping up.
The United Silent Majority of Logan County is organizing a food drive on Saturday, November 1st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Logan County Courthouse in downtown Bellefontaine.
Donations of nonperishable food, frozen meat, and warm clothing will be accepted.
Organizers say that all local food pantries have been invited to take part, and everything collected will be shared evenly among those who attend.
Local churches and small businesses, like Iron City Sports Bar, Indian Lake Community Church, Allways Brewin’, are also running specials and collecting food to distribute locally.
The list doesn’t end there; a simple look at social media will show many more community members, churches, small businesses, grassroots groups, and law enforcement stepping up to help those in need.
