Our Statewide Request for Hunger Relief Funding in the 2026-27 State Biennial Budget

We are part of a complex local, regional, domestic, and global food supply chain that faces increasing challenges to its long-term stability. To contribute to a resilient agricultural sector in Ohio – the backbone of Ohio’s economy – we have been partners for nearly three decades in providing outlets for surplus or otherwise unmarketable fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy items. Our long-term, public-private partnership with the State of Ohio, Ohio’s farmers, growers, and producers, and Ohio’s foodbanks reduces food waste and supports agricultural partners navigating increasing volatility in their business of feeding the state, the nation, and the world. The foods we procure through our partnership with the State of Ohio represent some of the most wholesome and nutritious items available through our charitable hunger relief network. We are proud to be the State of Ohio’s partner in:

• Supporting Ohio families facing high costs for household expenses like housing, utilities, food, child care, transportation, and medical care.
• Promoting access to nutritious foods today and workforce development for a brighter tomorrow for Ohio students, workers, and justice-involved residents.
• Providing access to wholesome foods to Ohio’s growing population of older adults, helping them to age in place with dignity and manage chronic conditions.
• Partnering for a resilient agricultural industry that can continue to nourish Ohio’s families and Ohio’s future economy.

Food insecurity in Ohio has increased rapidly, outpacing our network’s ability to meet the growing demand. As a result, our hunger relief network is under immense strain, with increased needs but fewer resources to distribute. Food insecurity in Ohio has surged, surpassing our network’s capacity to meet the growing demand and placing immense strain on hunger relief efforts. Ohioans are grappling with rising costs for essentials like housing, utilities, and foood, now 20% more expensive than four years ago; while food pantry visits have skyrocketed. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, visits in 2023 were up 42%, yet the total pounds of food in the system increased by only 12%, leading to a 21% decrease in the amount of food each visitor receives. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks’ recent Hunger Study found that nearly 90% of households anticipate needing help as often or more often in the next year. To meet demand, foodbanks have doubled food purchases using private donations since 2019, but this is unsustainable and cannot offset declines in federal commodities. State-funded ARPA investments that provided critical relief have been fully expended, and without additional state support, food availability will sharply decline. In 2023, 60% of food in the system came from donations or private purchases, up from 50% in 2019. Despite these efforts, we provided less food per pantry visitor in 2023 than in any of the past five years, and 2024 trends are even more alarming. Continued investment from the State of Ohio is essential to prevent worsening food insecurity and ensure our network can meet the rising need.

Rising costs, especially for food and housing, combined with the end of pandemic aid, are leaving many households struggling to afford basic needs. Despite working or having reached retirement age, many still face barriers like low wages or health issues. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks provides essential support, offering not just food but also relief from the stress of tough choices between necessities.

• The national food insecurity rate in 2023 reached 13.5%, the highest in nearly a decade, affecting over 47 million people or 1 in 8 American households. This uptick follows a significant increase in 2022, indicating a troubling trend rather than a temporary fluctuation.
• Pandemic Aid Impact: Food insecurity remained steady during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic due to temporary federal measures, including expanded Child Tax Credit payments, increased SNAP benefits, and universal free school meals. When this support ended, the need for help from the foodbanks increased.
• Inflation as a Key Factor: Despite a slowdown in the rate of grocery inflation, food prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This persistent food inflation is a major contributor to the increase in food insecurity. Recent polls have found that 64% of Americans are considering inflation a “Very serious problem” with many being concerned about grocery prices. Like many other household expenses, food costs are 20% higher than they were four years ago. Although wage growth has picked up, it is not keeping pace with volatile grocery and utility prices. Hardworking Ohioans deserve to know they can turn to their local foodbank for help when they have trouble making ends meet.
• Employment: Despite low unemployment rates, OAF’s Hunger Study revealed that many people turning to foodbanks face barriers beyond the job market. Half (50.8%) said that at least one household member had been employed in the past 12 months. For remaining households, they reported they were not working because they are ill or disabled and unable to work (58%), because they are retired (43.8%), or because they are caregiving (10.3%) or going back to school (6%). A modest percentage (4.8%) said they were looking for work or had been laid off. Many foodbanks operate workforce development programs and provide other wraparound services to support those that are able to work get and stay connected to reliable employment.
• Housing: Many areas across Ohio are facing rapidly rising housing costs, outpacing wages and affecting the ability of those on fixed incomes to afford necessities. A 2024 Hunger Study conducted by the association found that nearly half (49.5%) of neighbor households were forced to choose between affording food or affording rent or mortgage in the past year and 65.2% of households are choosing between food or affording utilities. When adjusted for inflation, rent in Ohio is currently at a nearly record high. Rent burden is also on the rise with 25% of Ohio renters in 2021 spending at least half their income on housing.

Ohio foodbanks support Ohio's workforce, Ohio families and older adults, and Ohio's agricultural sector

• Our workforce: providing a safety net for workers; preventing job loss and greater economic hardship by responding to household income shortfalls during personal or community crises, from a car repair bill to a tornado
• Our families and older adults: helping kids learn and grow; supporting parents so they can focus on keeping up with other household expenses from housing to health care; and rethinking how we support older adults as they strive to age in place with dignity and in better health
• Our agriculture and food producers: supporting agricultural and food supply chains; providing a safety net for producers

As Ohio’s population continues to age, the Ohio foodbank network plays a critical role in providing wholesome food to older adults, helping them age in place with dignity and better manage chronic conditions. With 43.8% of our foodbank neighbors surveyed reporting they have entered retirement, these programs ensure that many older Ohioans—who spent their lives working and contributing to our state’s economy—receive the food they need, even while living on a limited income. By spending our dollars directly with Ohio growers and producers, we keep money circulating within local communities, supporting both the agricultural economy and our most vulnerable neighbors.

Thanks to the dedication of Ohio foodbank staff and volunteers and the support of state-funded food programs, our network is here to assist our communities. Our efforts not only provide essential food but also help reduce stress, improve well-being, and support Ohio’s economy by creating jobs and boosting local agriculture. We remain committed to delivering vital services and fostering a supportive, efficient food system for all Ohioans through innovative programs to meet neighbors where they are, to end the line.