COLUMBUS, Ohio — With a potential halt in federal food aid looming, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Senate President Rob McColley, and House Speaker Matt Huffman have announced an emergency plan to provide up to $25 million in food assistance for struggling Ohio families.
The plan, which DeWine will authorize through an executive order, directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to immediately deliver $7 million to regional food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits for more than 63,000 Ohioans, including 57,000 children, whose households fall below 50% of the federal poverty level.
“The easiest and best way to help Ohioans in need of food assistance is for U.S. Senate Democrats to end their filibuster of SNAP benefits and other important federal programs and approve the continuing resolution passed by the U.S. House,” said DeWine. “While this state funding is no substitute for federal relief, it will help get more resources into the homes of families who need them most.”
Under the executive order:
$7 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds will go to local food banks.
Ohio Works First recipients will see their monthly benefit effectively doubled during November, with extra payments issued weekly as long as federal SNAP funding remains frozen.
Ohio Works First assists families with children earning at or below half of the federal poverty level. Recipients will receive their regular payment on Nov. 1, followed by supplemental weekly payments starting shortly after.
Senate President McColley emphasized the state’s responsibility to safeguard Ohio’s finances while still offering targeted aid. “This plan redirects resources to neighborhood food banks that work on the front lines with families who need help during this challenging time,” he said.
Speaker Huffman added that while SNAP is a federally managed and funded program, the state is stepping in to provide temporary support. “Ohio is taking intentional steps to provide relief for those most impacted by the loss of these benefits,” Huffman said.
Each month, about 1.4 million Ohioans rely on $264 million in federal SNAP benefits, averaging $190 per person.
ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder said the plan’s structure will allow the state to quickly adjust once federal funding is restored. “Governor DeWine’s approach allows us to allocate funds using ordinary distribution channels—providing targeted support to families in greatest need, while also assisting food banks, which can reach people quickly and directly,” Damschroder said.
ODJFS will begin distributing funds to food banks immediately and expects Ohio Works First recipients to start receiving emergency relief benefits by November 7.
Governor DeWine reiterated that while the state’s response will provide short-term help, the long-term solution lies in federal action: “SNAP is a federally funded program. The best solution remains the simplest one—pass the continuing resolution and reopen the federal government.”
