Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday that Ohio will provide up to $25 million in emergency food assistance to help families who could be affected by a possible suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
DeWine made the announcement alongside Ohio Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman. The plan includes $7 million directed to food banks and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs through an executive order DeWine is expected to sign.
An additional $18 million will be used to provide emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans, including more than 57,000 residents who live at or below 50% of the federal poverty level, according to a release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
Under the plan, ODJFS will double the monthly benefit for the state’s 63,000 Ohio Works First recipients. Recipients are expected to receive their increased benefits starting Nov. 1. If SNAP benefits remain unavailable during November, the state will issue weekly payments equaling about one-quarter of a typical monthly allotment.
Approximately 1.4 million Ohioans currently receive SNAP benefits totaling about $264 million each month. The average monthly benefit per person is roughly $190, the release said.
“While we will always do everything we can to support Ohioans who need it most, this is not a viable, long-term solution,” DeWine said. “SNAP is a federal program that is specifically federally funded. The best solution remains the simplest one: pass the continuing resolution and reopen the federal government.”
ODJFS said it will immediately begin distributing funds to food banks. The agency expects Ohio Works First recipients to begin receiving emergency relief benefits by Nov. 7.
