Approximately 1.4 million Ohioans may not receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November if the federal government shutdown continues.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it lacks sufficient funding to pay all November benefits if the shutdown is extended. This places roughly $263.4 million in monthly benefits for Ohio recipients at risk.
Ohio officials confirmed that while existing benefits on EBT cards will remain accessible after October 31, the issuance of new November payments is not guaranteed.
November Benefit Status and Federal Funding
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) relayed the federal update regarding the potential disruption. The average SNAP benefit in Ohio is $190 per month.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →As of October 22, the 2026 federal government shutdown became the second-longest in U.S. history. If it lasts until November 5, or 36 days, it will mark the longest federal shutdown ever recorded.
Reports also indicate the administration is rejecting the use of a $5 billion contingency fund to provide partial benefits for November. A Department of Agriculture memo stated that contingency funds are not legally available for regular benefits. The memo also said states covering the costs will not be reimbursed.
In response, some state lawmakers, like Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus, have urged Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to borrow from the state’s “Rainy Day” fund to cover the benefits.
Where to Find Emergency Food Assistance in Ohio
Franklin County Job and Family Services advised residents facing food insecurity to connect with local food pantries. Community organizations are preparing to handle increased demand.
Several organizations provide food assistance across central Ohio:
- Mid-Ohio Food Collective: This network includes 600 partner agencies across 20 counties. It operates a “find food now” tool on its website to help residents locate services.
- Freshtrak.com: This website allows users to search for and find nearby food pantries and meal sites.
- Broad Street Food Pantry: Located at 760 E. Broad St., this pantry announced it will continue serving the community despite the shutdown.
- East Side Grace Brethren Church: Offers a free community dinner on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It also operates a food bank at 7510 E. Broad St.
- Trinity Episcopal Church: Provides a weekly meal on Sunday afternoons at 3rd and Broad streets in downtown Columbus.
- Food Not Bombs: Offers free meals on Saturdays (12:15 PM to 1:15 PM) at multiple locations, including Parsons and East Innis avenues and Sullivant and South Burgess avenues.
- Blessing Boxes: Community members have recommended locating and stocking local “blessing boxes” with nonperishable goods.
Food Pantries Brace for Increased Need
Local food bank operators are preparing for a surge in demand while planning for the worst-case scenario.
Mike Hochron of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective stated the organization is planning how to operate its network if the shutdown extends past November 1. He said the collective would launch a “community rallying cry” for support if the situation is not resolved.
Food pantries report that resources are already stretched thin.
Kathy Kelly-Long, director of the Broad Street Food Pantry, told 10TV that meeting the growing need is difficult. The pantry, which serves 300 families weekly, is receiving less food from distributors and is forced to purchase more expensive items from wholesalers.
Kelly-Long noted that pantries cannot make up the difference if families lose their $190 average monthly benefit. She also encouraged people to seek help, noting that some furloughed federal employees may be experiencing food insecurity for the first time.
Status of Other Federal Benefits
According to ODJFS, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are not currently affected by the shutdown.
Federal workers impacted by the partial government shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, depending on their specific situation.
