Community food resources
By Theresa Garee
At the time of writing this story, 42 million Americans are set to not receive their monthly snap benefits beginning November 1st because of the government shutdown according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The department confirmed that it will not be sending any money to states to fund the supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, commonly known as food stamps, because of the ongoing stalemate in Congress.
Senator Josh Hawley has put together the Keep SNAP Funded Act 2025, where the USDA can receive its allotments through appropriations or stopgap measures. This bill is currently backed by 10 Republicans.
On the other side of the aisle, Senator Ben Lujan proposed Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025. A bill that directs the USDA to immediately release dollars to keep the programs funded to the end of the year.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Senate Rob McColley, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman announced a plan to provide $25 million in support for food assistance in Ohio. Governor DeWine said on Oct. 30 that he would sign an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to give $7 million to various Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits.
“While it is no substitute for the relief Senate Democrats could provide today, this funding will help get more resources into the household budgets of the of the Ohio families who need it most,” Governor DeWine said.
Locally:
Our communities have come together to make sure those in need know where they can go to receive services.
In Canal Winchester the following programs are available: The community food pantry is open to individuals and families that reside in Canal Winchester or Bloom Carroll School District. This service is appointment based only, please call 614-834-4700.
The Feeding Our Future program is a weekend backpack program for students, pre-K to 8th grade, that are enrolled in the Canal Winchester Local School District. Applications for this program can be found at https://cwhumanservices.org/feeding-our-future.
In Groveport there is the Groveport Food Pantry, please call to make an appointment at 614-836-7652.
In Obetz there is the Obetz Food Pantry, please call 614-496-6119 to connect with a food pantry volunteer.
Lithopolis area restaurant The Pump House Bar and Pizzeria has offered a “family size meal” available Month through Thursday 3-5 p.m., no questions asked.
Franklin County pantries and free meal sites can be found at https://freshtrak.com or htts://mofc.org/get-involved/find-food.
