Media Coverage

Recent federal executive orders have left many organizations in Ohio navigating uncertainty, particularly when it comes to funding for essential services.

Food banks, which serve as a critical safety net for families in need, are feeling the strain.

Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, said demand has been surging across the state as economic pressures grow, leaving local organizations struggling to keep up.

"We can do a lot with a little, but we can't do it all," Novotny pointed out. "We do rely and count on our partners in local, state and federal government to be another leg on the stool of what it takes to make sure that when people are in need and facing crisis, they can turn to us for basic help with food."

Food banks across Ohio are grappling with a potential funding shortfall that could leave them without millions of dollars, advocates warned this week. The Ohio Association of Food Banks, led by Executive Director Joree Novotny, is sounding the alarm as more families are forced to seek assistance due to rising living costs.

Foodbanks throughout Ohio could soon be facing funding cuts. Governor DeWine's proposed budget would get rid of close to a quarter of the money they receive.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A security upgrade could save thousands of Ohioans from being a target of theft but it’s an upgrade the government has to approve.

4 Investigates first told you last week: People on SNAP benefits, the program that used to be known as food stamps, are being targeted and taxpayers are victims, too. This has become an issue for Ohioans and has spread through the country.

4 Investigates reached out to every single Ohio representative in Congress asking if this is a priority for them. We’ve only received a few responses, so now we are taking the issue to our state representatives, asking if targeted Ohioans will receive any help.

He said October 2024 marked their busiest month in 44 years of operation.

This surge in need comes at a critical time.

The Farm Bill, the largest funding source for food banks, has not been renewed since 2018. Mid-Ohio Food Collective warns that flat funding is effectively a cut due to inflation and reduced buying power.

"No amount of fundraising or philanthropy will make up for those federal and state programs. If those are not taken care of, these shelves behind us will not have as much food," Hochron said.

In response to the crisis, the 12 food banks in the state have requested $100 million over two years from the state. However, it remains uncertain what lawmakers will approve.

For families who face higher food prices and rising rents, the situation is dire.

Freestore Foodbank kept its doors open through Christmas Eve to make sure families had groceries for the holidays.

The market gave 50 pounds of food to each family who shopped.

"It's nice because not everybody has someone who cares," shopper Victoria Sprechera said.

According to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, food banks in 2023 saw a 34% increase in families taking home groceries from food banks compared to 2022. That's a 56% increase from 2019.

Truitt said some families come in with difficult decisions, and he hopes the market alleviates some of their stress.