Updates from the Ohio Association of Foodbanks on Federal Government Shutdown Impacts and Response

The 43-day federal government shutdown officially ended late Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when President Donald Trump signed legislation restoring funding for most federal agencies through January 30. The funding package includes full-year support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring continued operation of core nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP. On Thursday, November 13, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced it had received updated guidance from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) confirming that Ohioans would receive their full SNAP benefits for November.

Throughout the shutdown, roughly 1.5 million Ohioans who rely on SNAP faced uncertainty about when their benefits would arrive. With an average of $168 per person each month, delayed or partial benefits had an immediate and profound effect on families. The shutdown also affected federal workers and contractors who missed paychecks, which rapidly increased the number of households turning to foodbanks for support.

From the start of the shutdown through November 21, Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks and more than 3,600 partner agencies mobilized to meet the surge in need. Statewide, the network served 46.2% more food pantry visitors from November 1 to November 21 than it did on average during the first 21 days of each month from January through October, fulfilling 389,000 additional pantry visits in just three weeks. Thanks to extraordinary support from state and local government, philanthropy, retail and corporate partners, and individual donors, foodbanks were able to source about 38% more food than usual during this period, or 6.3 million additional pounds, and distribute about 41% more food than normal, totaling 6.5 million additional pounds statewide. Foods supplied included fresh produce like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, sweet corn, potatoes, peppers, and squash; protein items including ground turkey and beef, ham, cheese, eggs, and fresh chicken; and shelf-stable items such as canned beans, peanut butter, canned chicken, soup, cereal, rice, and grits.

Even under immense pressure, Ohio’s foodbanks remained open, safe, and welcoming to anyone seeking help. Thousands of staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to assist neighbors; many visiting a pantry for the first time due to disrupted benefits or missed income. With the shutdown concluded and federal nutrition programs funded, operations have stabilized some, though some families may still experience delays as systems recalibrate. We will continue to monitor federal guidance, support our local foodbanks, and share updates as more information becomes available.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit our Foodbank Map to find resources available in your county. We remain honored to serve Ohioans every day and are truly humbled by your trust and partnership. We are grateful to everyone across the public and private sectors who helped ensure access to nourishing food during this challenging period, and we look forward to continuing this work together to support a food-secure Ohio where every person has the nutrition they need and deserve.

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I live in Ohio and participate in SNAP. I still haven't received my benefits, what should I do?

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has worked tirelessly to get benefits out to SNAP beneficiaries upon guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). If you have not yet received your benefits and you believe you should have, please contact your local job and family service office as soon as possible to check in on the status. Fin your local JFS office here.

I want to help. How can I best help right now?

If you’re able, there are several meaningful ways to support Ohioans facing hunger during this time. Monetary donations go the furthest in helping foodbanks purchase and distribute nutritious food where it’s needed most. To make a donation directly to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks or to find your local foodbank and learn about their donation options, please click the button below. If you know someone on SNAP who may be impacted, please consider providing direct help to them if you are able. We need volunteers to continue to support our mission - please give of your time if you can. Most importantly, please offer patience and empathy to every person you meet - they may be struggling with heightened food insecurity and uncertainty, and your kindness matters. Please offer the same to hunger relief agencies and their staff and volunteers doing the best they can to respond in this moment.