Waiting for guidance. As states start to feel the impact of President Trump’s tax law, the popular “Big Beautiful Bill,” Ohio’s benefits programs wait for the next steps to change Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance program nearly 1.5 million Ohioans utilize, according to The Ohio Association of Foodbanks’ estimate.
The SNAP dates back to the Great Depression and, according to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, is still “our nation’s first line of defense against hunger.”
Additionally, there are 3 million people who teeter on the edge of the eligibility requirements, 30% of Ohio’s population. Impending changes to the program are currently outlined, with additional work-reporting requirements for nearly all individuals seeking benefits.
“So, there’s a lot more people that don’t have anywhere else to turn,” Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, said. “They’re not poor enough to qualify for SNAP but might still find themselves facing budget shortfalls.”
As the national budget is reorganized over the next few years, Ohio is set to start paying 75% of the costs for food assistance programs. Previously, an even split between the federal and state governments.
Cuyahoga County’s director of Job and Family Services, Kevin Gowan, shared concerns about the funding changes and bringing down Ohio’s 9.01% error rate from 2024.
“I believe it’s 43 states have higher than a 6% error rate in 2024,” Gowan said. “So, it is actually very difficult to get below a 6% error rate, and that’s a heavy concern for us.”
A lower error rate could save Ohio money with accurate payment amounts to people who are eligible for SNAP benefits. However, it is challenging to achieve with detailed requirements and self-reported errors.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s President and CEO, Kristin Warzocha, emphasized the impact of SNAP benefits at Cuyahoga County’s community conversation about changes for residents.
“For years, we’ve been talking about the importance of the SNAP program and how for every one meal provided by a food bank nationwide, nine meals are provided by snap,” Warzocha said. “And what that means is that when there are changes to the program, even changes that feel very small, they can have a large impact.”
While Ohio awaits guidance from the USDA, updating personal information on benefits.ohio.gov can ensure counties can communicate and serve those seeking resources best.
For those wanting to fight food insecurity, local food banks are rallying support this September for Hunger Action Month.
Sydney Brown is a Kent Stater TV Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
