Last year was challenging for food banks in Northeast Ohio. As President Trump began his second term, significant cuts hit programs that supplied food to these essential organizations. Early in March, Molly Walsh from cleveland.com shared that the USDA slashed over $1 million worth of food, about 553,000 pounds, from emergency food programs. This impacted local food banks like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB).
In July, Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s new state budget, which included funding for a new Cleveland Browns stadium but failed to provide the necessary support for food banks. This budget cuts funding for food banks from $32.5 million to just $24.5 million, a stark decrease. The Ohio Association of Food Banks requested $36.98 million, missing the mark by about $12 million. This gap is concerning for GCFB and other food banks.
Karen Ponza, GCFB’s communications director, voiced the organization’s worries. “These reductions affect children, seniors, veterans, and working families, making it harder for them to access the food they need,” Ponza explained.
In the summer of 2023, the country faced the longest government shutdown in history, halting SNAP benefits for millions. The Food Research and Action Center warned that even as the shutdown ended, many could lose SNAP benefits soon due to new tax policies. This could drive even more people to food banks just as resources are dwindling. A recent campaign called “Stop That SNAP Shift” highlighted the urgency of these issues.
As food banks see cuts from all sides, Joree Novotny, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks, pointed out that more people are relying on these services as grocery prices rise. Between 2020 and 2023, usage of food banks in Ohio jumped by 10%. Communities like Lakewood and Cleveland may suffer significantly from these funding cuts, putting more pressure on GCFB.
The looming budget cuts threaten GCFB’s ability to distribute food, which may affect thousands in Lakewood and Cuyahoga County who depend on SNAP and other programs for essential food. Ponza shared, “Without additional support, we project a 15% reduction in food—about 7.5 million pounds—in fiscal year 2026.”
SNAP cuts are particularly critical since one in nine meals in Northeast Ohio comes from this program. With funding slashed, many individuals could struggle to meet their needs. In response, Lakewood has initiated a SNAP relief program aimed at helping residents facing food insecurity. The program will offer direct assistance, including $50 Aldi gift cards and community meals. Mayor Meghan F. George emphasized the importance of this support for the many low-income residents in Lakewood.
Data from PantryTrak shows that from October 2024 to August 2025, GCFB helped over 6,300 individuals in Lakewood through its network. With a population of about 49,517, this means around 12% of the community received assistance. The majority of aid came from local service centers like the Lakewood Community Services Center.
These services distributed over 110,000 pounds of food, equating to about 92,000 meals. However, upcoming budget cuts could lead to a severe decrease in food availability. In the worst case, GCFB may have to turn people away.
As they navigate these challenges, GCFB remains committed to serving the community. Ponza summarizes the organization’s mission: “Food is a basic need and a building block of strong communities. We are dedicated to providing nutritious food to as many people as possible, even as we face obstacles.”
Though they will work hard to stretch resources, support from the community will be vital. Every dollar contributed can provide two meals for those in need. GCFB also welcomes volunteers who want to get involved. For more details, you can reach out to them directly.
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