Rep. McNally Urges Gov. DeWine to Preserve SNAP Benefits
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine urging him to take action to help prevent the 1.4M Ohioans who could be left without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues past October 31st.
“I am deeply concerned for the 39,500 SNAP recipients in Mahoning County, and the nearly 1.5 million Ohioans who are now facing food insecurity. Food is a basic need, and I believe it is our responsibility to meet this need when the federal government cannot,” said Rep McNally.
Rep. McNally made several suggestions to the governor for actions his administration could make to help ensure SNAP benefits:
- Utilizing Controlling Board emergency appropriations to redirect existing or surplus state funds;
- Allowing temporary transfers from agency budget reserves, particularly within the Department of Job and Family Services and the Department of Health;
- Exploring public-private partnerships with food banks, faith-based organizations, and community foundations to extend limited state dollars during the emergency period; and
- Issuing a targeted emergency order to activate available administrative flexibility and authorize temporary assistance until federal funding resumes.
If you are struggling with food insecurity, this is a list of a few charities that may be able to help:
- Catholic Charities Regional Agency (330-744-3320)
- Community Kitchen (330-770-2224)
- Faith Fellowship Church of God (234-254-8138) – 3rd Thursday of each month
- Gleaners (330-746-8436) - Tuesday
- Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministry (330-744-2000)
- Holy Trinity Church Pantry (330-707-4986) – Monday
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Pantry (330-793-9988) – 4th Friday of each month
- New Life Church (330-757-0727)
- Northside Farmers Market (330-518-6971)
- OCCHA (330-781-1808)
- Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (330-536-6436) – as needed
- Saint Michael Church, Canfield (330-533-6839) – 2X per year – Food Cards
- St. Angela Merici Food Pantry (330-747-6080) – 2nd Thursday of each month
- St. Charles Boromeo (330-758-2325) – 3rd Wednesday of each month
- St. Edwards Church (330-744-9055) – Wednesday
- St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall (330-746-4004)
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (330-746-1128)
- Victory Church (330-536-2127)
- Youngstown Protestant Family Services (330-746-4600)
The local food bank is:
- Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley (330-792-5522)
Rep. McNally’s letter to Governor DeWine can be viewed here and the Ohio House Democratic Caucus’ letter to Governor DeWine can be viewed here.