CLEVELAND, Ohio — The United Way of Greater Cleveland has launched a new online tool to help residents find food assistance. This comes as a federal government shutdown disrupts benefits for many families in the area.
The 211 Food Resource Finder, accessible at 211oh.org, allows individuals to quickly find food programs nearby. Given the recent surge in calls to their 211 Helpline, the organization saw a pressing need for this resource. Calls related to food help have more than doubled recently.
“When families lose vital benefits like SNAP, it can push them into crisis quickly,” said Sharon Sobol Jordan, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland. She noted that food is currently the top concern among those reaching out for help.
In Cuyahoga County, over 190,000 residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to provide for their families. Meanwhile, about 2,500 people in Geauga County depend on this program too. With the benefits now paused, families, seniors, and children face challenges in affording basic groceries.
Food needs have recently overtaken other assistance requests to United Way, such as housing and utilities. This shift reflects the severe impact of the shutdown on everyday lives. “Our 211 team is working hard to connect people to help quickly,” Jordan said, emphasizing the importance of the new food resource finder.
A recent survey shows that food insecurity has become a rising concern nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affects about 10.5% of households, with some communities facing even higher rates.
As people seek out support online and via calls, social media trends also show a growing awareness and concern over food access. Hashtags like #FoodAccess and #SNAP are trending, reflecting public discussions about food security during economic challenges.
Overall, local organizations are stepping up to meet the increased demand for food assistance. It’s crucial for families in need to seek help and for communities to support one another during these tough times.
