Farmers and processors urge restoration of Ohio Food Program funding to keep food banks stocked

Ohio farmers and a food processor told the House Children and Human Services Committee that state support for the Ohio Food Program keeps local food banks stocked with fresh produce and shelf-stable protein, supports farm incomes and preserves local manufacturing jobs.

Alex Buck, president of Growers Marketing Association, said the coop of 40 Ohio farms supplies more than 5 million pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables annually to Ohio food banks through the Ohio Food Program. Buck said increases in farm costs since March 2020 — including labor, fuel, materials and crop insurance — make continued program funding essential and that budget cuts would leave crops unharvested and force food banks to procure out-of-state product at greater cost.

Pete (Peter) Dorley, president of Keystone Meats in Lima, said his company sources roughly 900 to 1,000 head of cattle annually for the program, producing nearly 5 million “center-of-the-plate” portions that feed Ohioans in need. Dorley said the program keeps his plant running at capacity, reduces turnover and supports full employment. He urged restoration of funding cuts to the Ohio Association of Food Banks and the Ohio Food Program.

Committee members asked witnesses about rising costs; witnesses cited higher raw-material and labor costs and competition for migrant labor. Witnesses framed the program as a public-private partnership that benefits both food-security goals and Ohio agriculture and manufacturing.

No formal committee action or vote occurred at the hearing.