Rep. Brent Calls on Governor DeWine to Fully Fund Ohio Foodbanks as Federal Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) today called on Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Controlling Board to allocate emergency state funds to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to ensure continuity of food assistance during the shutdown.

“No Ohioan should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from — especially because of gridlock in Washington,” said Rep. Brent. “Governor DeWine and the Ohio Controlling Board must act now to ensure our Ohio Association of Foodbanks have the resources they need to prevent a hunger crisis. This is not a time for hesitation — it’s a time for leadership.”

Ohio’s 12 regional foodbanks, coordinated through the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, already face record demand due to rising costs and Ohio budget cuts. The loss of federal SNAP funding would overwhelm these organizations unless the state steps in with emergency support.

• Ohioans receive approximately $263.4M per month in SNAP benefits, supporting grocery purchases in communities across the state.
• The current federal shutdown will pause SNAP payments starting November 1, directly affecting over 1.5M Ohio residents.