We recognize that many individuals and families are being affected by the partial government shutdown. We are concerned anytime access to safe and nourishing food is jeopardized. Our goal has always been to ensure a thriving community free of hunger in partnership with our strong hunger-relief network.
We’re doing our best to help serve community members impacted by the shutdown. As of January 25, the Foodbank is removing all case limits from products to ensure access to enough food to meet the current demand. We anticipate deliveries of USDA items including frozen pork loin, turkey roasts, cheese, apples and more in the coming weeks.
In anticipation of a higher need for food assistance, we encourage programs to increase food distribution at this time. If your program has the capacity to do more, we recommend:
• Adding an extra hour or two to existing distribution times
• Opening additional days during the month
• Lifting restrictions such as where families live or how often they can visit during the month
Please contact the Network Partners and Programs department at 330.535.6900 if your program is interested in changing days, hours, or restrictions during this time.
At this time, federal programs that directly support the Foodbank, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), have not been affected. However, SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) has been affected. SNAP benefits for February were distributed on Jan. 20, 2019. The distribution outcome for March benefits is unknown.
If clients have questions about SNAP food assistance benefits, direct them to your county’s Department of Job and Family Services:
Carroll County - 330.627.2571
Holmes County - 800.971.7979
Medina County - 800.783.5070
Portage County - 800.876.9544
Stark County - 888.698.6893
Summit County - 330.643.8200
Tuscarawas County - 800.431.2347
Wayne County - 877.612.5800