Media Coverage

The nation’s poverty rate rose last year even as incomes improved, the government reported on Tuesday, reflecting higher prices and the expiration of the last pandemic relief programs.

The share of Americans living in poverty as defined by the Census Bureau’s “supplemental” measure, which takes into account a broader range of benefits and expenses than the official poverty rate, rose to 12.9 percent in 2023, from 12.4 percent in 2022. The median household income, adjusted for inflation, rose to $80,610, finally regaining its prepandemic level.

Poverty levels have risen anew in recent years after a wave of pandemic relief aid — and an exceptionally strong labor market that lifted the wages of many at the bottom of the pay spectrum — collided with the most rapid inflation in a generation.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity continuing to rise. A new report says Ohioans are forced to make difficult choices between food and other essential needs.

Joree Novotny, executive director, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, said this concerning trend is not limited to Ohio but reflects a broader national struggle.

"Things for us in the Charitable Hunger Relief Network in Ohio and across the rest of the country are not getting better. They're actually worsening," Novotny said.

Despite these challenges, the federal government has yet to reauthorize the Farm Bill, which Novotny says is vital for funding programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program. As a result, food banks are receiving less food, even as demand increases.

Novotny emphasized the need for both state and federal action to prevent further hardship.

In 2022, the USDA launched the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, also known as LFPA, but in Ohio, the program goes by Ohio CAN. The federal program has allocated tens of millions of dollars to food banks across the state to purchase food products from local growers for distribution, but the funding for the program is expiring at the end of the year.

Ohio CAN helps smaller operation growers and farmers gain access to distribution chains, such as Ohio food banks. Not only has this program helped connect more Ohioans to fresh, healthy produce, dairy, and meat products, but it’s been a major economic driver in helping smaller growing operations thrive.

Ohio will receive $26.5 million in LFPA funding in its roughly three-year period. Executive Director For The Ohio Association Of Food Banks, Joree Novotny, said that despite the program's positive feedback, Ohio CAN funding may not be renewed. This is because funding is not yet permanently authorized in the Farm Bill process passed by Congress every five to six years. Novotny said the 2024 election cycle hasn't made a possible renewal any easier either.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Association of Foodbanks (the association) recently received a generous donation from Prairie Farms Dairy, a co-op utilizing more than 600 multigenerational, independent family dairy farms, in time for Hunger Action Month, which is recognized during the month of September. Prairie Farms Dairy has committed to providing 52,560 cases of wholesome milk to Ohio families. This donation equates to 1,419,120 servings of milk – helping to ensure that families across the state have access to dairy within their diets.

“At Prairie Farms Dairy, we’re rooted in the values of our local farming communities, and we know how important it is for neighbors to support one another,” said Matt McClelland, CEO/EVP of Prairie Farms Dairy. “That’s why we’re honored to donate over 1.4 million servings of milk to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. This is our way of giving back to the communities that have supported us for generations.”

In the past year, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio has seen a 32 percent increase in food pantry visits. A study by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks is showing this is a trend, not only happening locally, but throughout Ohio.

The findings are from a survey of 2,301 folks who had visited Ohio foodbanks in April and May. The study shows that many residents are finding they must choose between buying food or paying for other essential household expenses such as transportation, medicine and utilities.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A study from the Ohio Association of Foodbanks has found that, among surveyed foodbank clients, an “alarming number” have to choose between food and other essential items.

What You Need To Know

• A study from the Ohio Association of Foodbanks has found an “alarming number” of people have to choose between food and other essential items
• The survey received 2,301 validated responses from those who went to food distributions in various communities from April 15 through May 12 this year
• Around 65% of households reported that adults have skipped meals within the year due to not having enough
• The Ohio Association of Foodbanks also expressed its opinion on a number of state and federal issues related to nutrition