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Ohio's food banks bracing for funding cuts, looming government shutdown
Food prices in the U.S. remain stubbornly high, having grown by more than 20% since the start of the pandemic, outpacing inflation.
Now hunger relief organizations warn a potential shutdown of the federal government could mean disruptions and delays for Ohioans who rely on federal aid through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as Food Stamps.
Joree Novotny is executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
USDA program cut impacts local food banks, local farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended a program that partners local food banks with local farmers used by farmers and food banks across southwest Ohio.
The USDA this month notified states that it did not plan to carry out a second round of funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program for fiscal year 2025, but funds for existing contracts nationwide aren’t frozen. This move followed the Trump administration approving steep budget cuts at the USDA.
Michael Goldstick, of Guided By Mushrooms in New Lebanon, said local farmers have a little bit of time to plan around this change, as existing contracts will be funded through June.
“We invested, planned and grew for this program,” he said. “We appreciate the runway to work toward alternatives, a Plan B, but we’re disappointed that small farmers, hungry families and food banks will be impacted by this. And this is nationwide.”
USDA cancels local food purchasing program, putting more strain on central Ohio food banks
Local food banks are feeling the pinch — and may be forced to offer less fresh produce — amid funding cuts to a federal program connecting them and some school districts with local farmers and challenges with rising food costs.
The concern is the latest round of struggles for food banks in Ohio amid policy changes, rising food costs and a proposed state budget that would cut funding for food banks to purchase food — all while Ohio food banks experience record levels of need.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently canceled money for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which supplies assistance to local food banks, schools and organizations in underserved communities. According to USA Today, LFPA agreements would continue, but there would not be another round of funding this year.
