Ohio State Provides Food Support During SNAP Benefit Delays

By Andi Anderson

As delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue to affect Ohio families, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is stepping up to help.

Through Ohio State University Extension, teams are providing direct support, nutrition education, and essential food resources to those impacted across the state.

Extension educators are working with local food banks, community organizations, and state agencies to connect families to reliable food access points.

They are also educating communities on affordable meal preparation, reducing food waste, and budgeting for groceries during financial strain.

“During challenging times, one of the most powerful messages we can share from OSU Extension is this: You are not alone,” said one Extension educator. “Extension is deeply rooted in communities across Ohio, and every day we witness the strength, compassion and resilience of Ohioans.”

Simple steps like understanding food date labels can make a big difference in reducing waste and extending resources. “Understanding the difference between ‘Best By,’ ‘Use By’ and ‘Expiration’ dates can prevent unnecessary waste and help families maximize their food budgets,” said another educator.

To help families make the most of limited budgets, the Celebrate Your Plate website — part of Ohio SNAP-Ed — offers affordable, healthy recipes and practical shopping tips. The platform encourages Ohioans to use pantry staples and local produce to prepare nutritious meals at low cost.

OSU Extension staff are also collaborating with food pantries and local agencies to distribute meals, organize cooking demonstrations, and teach meal planning. “We want to do all we can to put resources for pantries, free meals and other necessities into the hands of those who need them as quickly as possible,” said a family and consumer sciences educator.

By combining compassion with education, OSU Extension continues its mission to build stronger, more resilient communities. Through outreach and collaboration, it ensures that families across Ohio have the support they need to stay nourished and hopeful during uncertain times.

Photo Credit: ohio-state-university