Rep. Bryant Bailey Urges Republicans to End Shutdown and Protect Food Access for Ohio Families
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bryant Bailey (D-Cincinnati) today emphasized the urgent need for Republican leadership to end the federal government shutdown before SNAP benefits are halted on November 1, putting thousands of Ohio families in Hamilton County and across the state at risk.
More than 6,300 residents in District 26 and 55,000 people countywide depend on SNAP to feed their families. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has only $6B in reserve which is insufficient to cover even one month of SNAP nationwide. As the shutdown drags on, more Ohioans will lose stability. First at the grocery store, and then in housing if Section 8 housing assistance is delayed or stopped.¿¿
“This is not just a statistic. It’s about families, children, and seniors in our community who are being left in limbo,” said Rep. Bryant Bailey. “Ohio families deserve stability and leadership. We will not stand idly by while families face hunger and homelessness as Republicans in Washington play politics with people’s lives. Our office is coordinating across Hamilton County to find ways to stand in the gap for families in need. I urge Republican leadership in Congress to act quickly to end the shutdown or ensure families are not left hungry.”
Residents needing food or housing assistance can call Rep. Bryant Bailey’s office at (614) 466-1308 for up-to-date resources and referrals.¿
Resources for Residents¿
- Hamilton County JFS SNAP Assistance: hcjfs.org/services/food-assistance
- Freestore Foodbank: (513) 357-4600 | freestorefoodbank.org
- Community Action Agency Mobile Food Pantry: Fresh produce distribution across Greater Cincinnati | cincy-caa.org
- Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & NKY: (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 | mowhc.org
- United Way 2-1-1 Help Line: Call 211 or text 211CARES to 51555 for food, housing, and utility assistance (available 24/7)
- 513 Relief Bus: Mobile assistance for food, health, and housing services | 513relief.org
- National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) | whyhunger.org/find-food