News & Updates

A new study conducted by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks found that an alarming number of Ohioans are being forced to choose between buying food and paying for other essential household expenses. The findings are from an anonymous statewide survey conducted from April 14 to May 7, which included 2,087 validated responses from residents of 32.6% of all Ohio zip codes.

The President and Congressional leaders must refuse budget cuts or policy changes that increase poverty or take food or health care away from people. Ohio’s foodbanks are already at our breaking point, doing our best to stand in the significant gaps left after pandemic-era supports ended in the midst of record inflation and historically high prices. But we cannot begin to make up for the budget shortfalls Ohio households are already facing, and we simply cannot accept a federal budget that harms them further.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks extends our deepest appreciation to Ohio House Speaker Stephens, Speaker Pro Tempore Oelslager, Finance Chairman Rep. Edwards, Minority Leader Russo, Ranking member Rep. Sweeney, Rep. Seitz, Rep. Cross, Rep. Callender, Rep. Carruthers, Rep. Liston, and members of Ohio House Leadership and the Ohio House Finance Committee for prioritizing hunger relief in the omnibus amendment to H.B. 33.

States across the country have taken matters into their own hands to assure SNAP benefit adequacy for older adults by exploring ways to supplement the fully funded federal benefit with state dollars. Ohio lawmakers should do the same.

The White House Conference on Hunger and Nutrition was Thursday. It brought several anti hunger advocates, farmers, nutritionists, community leaders and policymakers to discuss solutions for hunger and healthy eating in the United States. Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, was at the conference. She spoke with WYSO’s Alejandro Figueroa about the national plan to end hunger and what it means for Ohioans.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration is using federal stimulus money to grant $15 million worth of Ohio-produced meat, eggs and dairy products to Ohio food banks.

Ohio foodbanks conducted a survey of emergency food distribution visitors from April 14 to May 7, 2023. The survey was anonymous and included 2,087 validated responses from residents of 32.6% of all Ohio zip codes. These findings are representative of the experiences and challenges facing foodbank clients statewide.

Independent Economic Impact of FY 2022 Ohio Food Program, Agricultural Clearance Program, Summer Food, and CARES Act Programs

Prepared for the Ohio Association of Foodbanks by Dr. Howard Fleeter | March 17, 2023