Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday afternoon that he’ll sign an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to give $7 million to various Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans – including more than 57,000 children – who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level.
Unless Washington leaders resolve the government shutdown by Saturday, or arrive at a side deal, millions of Americans will be cut off from the federal food program known as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program, or SNAP.
“The easiest and best way to help Ohioans in need of food assistance is for U.S. Senate Democrats to end its filibuster of SNAP benefits and other important federal programs and approve the clean continuing resolution passed by the U.S. House,” DeWine said in a statement. “While it is no substitute for the relief Senate Democrats could provide today, this funding will help get more resources into the household budgets of the Ohio families who need it most.”
Approximately 1.4 million Ohioans receive a total of $264 million in food benefits from SNAP each month. The average monthly SNAP benefit per person is about $190.
Ohio Senate President Rob McColley and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman back the governor’s executive order. Huffman told reporters earlier in the week that Republicans were exploring how to give extra money to food banks, schools or faith-based organizations that distribute food to low-income residents.
DeWine told reporters Thursday the money won’t be adequate to make up for the loss of SNAP benefits, if that ends up happening. But, he said the number is targeted to reach the 57,000 Ohio children whose families make 50% of the federal poverty limit, or around $16,000 for a family of four.
“Frankly, we can only pray that Congress will recognize what’s going on across the country and reach an agreement,” DeWine said.
