By Andi Anderson
Ohio food banks are facing financial uncertainty as federal funding changes and state budget cuts threaten their ability to serve families in need. Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed budget would reduce food bank funding by 23%, dropping it from $32 million to $24.5 million.
At the same time, federal executive orders have created uncertainty around essential food assistance programs.
Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, highlighted the rising demand for food assistance across the state. She emphasized that food banks rely on local, state, and federal partnerships to provide relief to struggling families.
"We can do a lot with a little, but we can't do it all," Novotny said. "When people are in crisis, they turn to us for basic help with food."
The funding reduction comes at a time when food banks are already overwhelmed. Many distribution centers report record-high demand, with some forced to turn families away due to limited resources.
"I just talked to someone yesterday who had 300 families show up for food assistance, but they had to turn another 65 families away," Novotny noted.
Government programs provide nearly half of Ohio’s food bank resources. Federal programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program supply about 25% of food bank resources, while state-funded programs like the Ohio Agricultural Clearance Program contribute another 20%.
With state and federal funding reductions, food banks are urging policymakers to reconsider budget cuts and ensure long-term food security for Ohio families. Hunger relief efforts depend heavily on government support, and without it, many vulnerable communities will struggle to access food assistance.
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Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle