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Franklin County warns SNAP benefits may be delayed if federal shutdown occurs
Summary
County officials said the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states it could not release SNAP funding during a shutdown and advised roughly 180,000 Franklin County recipients to prepare for possible delays; officials listed local food resources and partner organizations.
Franklin County officials warned Oct. 28 that a potential federal government shutdown could delay distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and urged residents to plan for possible interruptions.
"We understand that there has been considerable concern about how the potential federal government shutdown could impact the public assistance benefits Franklin County administers, especially food assistance through SNAP," Commissioner Boyce said. He said the U.S. Department of Agriculture had confirmed it would not be able to release SNAP funding to states during a shutdown, and that the county is advising "almost 180,000 here in Franklin County to prepare for possible delays in receiving their November food assistance benefits."
The county directed residents seeking help to online food-resource locators and community partners. Officials cited FreshTrak and the county Job and Family Services site (jfs.franklincountyohio.gov) as places to find nearby pantries and free-meal sites. County staff also thanked local food partners and community organizations for ongoing support to households facing food insecurity.
Deputy County staff member DC Bemis asked viewers to consider donating to local food-collection efforts and to check on neighbors, particularly seniors without nearby family. "Please make sure that you are donating to the Mid-Ohio food network and for neighbors to look out for neighbors," Bemis said.
County officials said they will continue to share updates as new information becomes available and encouraged residents to follow the county Job and Family Services agency and the Board of Commissioners on social media for the latest announcements.
