Food banks across Ohio are facing a potential funding shortfall that could leave them millions of dollars short, forcing them to reduce assistance to families in need. Advocates warn that rising living costs are driving more families to seek help from food banks, while funding is being reduced. The Ohio Association of Food Banks received over $40 million from the American Rescue Plan, but that funding has been exhausted. The proposed budget from Governor DeWine would provide $24.55 million per year for the next fiscal year, along with a one-time cash transfer of $7.5 million. Advocates are urging lawmakers to recognize the urgency of the situation and allocate sufficient funding to prevent food banks from having to make difficult choices.
Food banks across Ohio are grappling with a potential funding shortfall that could leave them without millions of dollars, advocates warned this week., led by Executive Director Joree Novotny, is sounding the alarm as more families are forced to seek assistance due to rising living costs.
"We're seeing more people have to make that tough choice and coming to us more often because they need help," Novotny said, highlighting the growing challenge of feeding families across the state. Mark Bruce, a board member of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, reported a significant increase in demand. "The number of clients served at Mid-Ohio is up 30 percent," Bruce said. He noted that October was the busiest month in the collective's 40-year history, surpassing even the peak of the pandemic. Food banks convened at the Statehouse on Wednesday to urge lawmakers for continued financial support. Previously, the Ohio Association of Food Banks received over $40 million from the American Rescue Plan, but that federal aid was a one-time payment. "All of that funding was spent on protein and dairy products, to families turning to us for help," Novotny said.for food banks, reducing their annual funding to $32 million. According to the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, the Ohio Association of Food Banks will receive $24,550,000 per year in FY 2026-2027 through DeWine's proposed budget. A one-time cash transfer also provides an additional $7.5 million per fiscal year in FY 2024-2025. "We're now at level funding of $32 million per year, we can't stretch any further than we already are," Novotny said.She warned that insufficient funding would force food banks to make difficult decisions, resulting in reduced assistance for those in need. "What it will mean if we don't get enough funding is that we'll also have to make some tough choices. People will get less help from us," Novotny said. Advocates are hopeful that lawmakers will recognize the urgency of the situation and allocate the necessary funds.
FOOD BANKS FUNDING SHORTFALL OHIO ASSISTANCE RISING LIVING COSTS
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