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Cincinnati council urges Ohio to unlock rainy‑day funds as SNAP, WIC benefits face interruption
Summary
Council unanimously passed a resolution urging Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature to release state stabilization funds after the USDA announced SNAP and WIC benefits would not be issued on Nov. 1 amid a federal shutdown; local service providers warned of unprecedented demand.
Cincinnati City Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution urging Ohio officials to unlock the state 'rainy day' fund to prevent a lapse in SNAP and WIC benefit payments after a U.S. Department of Agriculture notice said benefits would not be issued on Nov. 1 amid a federal funding lapse. Council member Albee introduced the measure, saying the city is "days away from families not receiving vital funding for food."
The resolution cites state figures that about 1,400,000 Ohioans participate in SNAP and that Hamilton County has nearly 97,000 participants; in Cincinnati, the resolution said nearly 30,000 households rely on SNAP benefits. "Current SNAP benefits provide eligible individuals with only approximately $6 a day to spend on food," Albee said during the presentation.
Public commenters and nonprofit representatives urged immediate action. Caitlin Leinhardt of Saint Vincent de Paul Cincinnati told council her agency has been serving sharply rising demand across food pantries and a charitable pharmacy and had exhausted a week's worth of budgeted assistance within four days. "We're at max capacity some days," Leinhardt said, urging state and local leaders to "bring us to the table to even just discuss" solutions.
Vice Mayor Kearney said the city is compiling lists of pantry hours and meal sites to place on the city website and that local organizations and schools will need extra resources if benefits are delayed. "We are in a crisis," Kearney said, urging churches and community partners to step up as leaders press the state for action.
Council recorded roll call votes and the resolution passed. The measure requests that copies be provided to Governor Mike DeWine and members of the Ohio General Assembly whose districts include Cincinnati. The resolution notes the city will continue coordinating with local food banks and service providers as leaders pursue state and local options to bridge the shortfall.
