Mid-Ohio Valley Food Banks Prepare for SNAP Disruption Amid Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

PARKERSBURG — Food assistance providers across the Mid-Ohio Valley are seeing a surge in demand. Families are facing uncertainty about federal food benefits due to an ongoing government shutdown. This has left many wondering when they will receive aid or how much will be available.

Recently, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, no details have emerged about when benefits will resume or the amounts that recipients can expect. Local food providers report that families are already feeling distressed.

At House to Home, a day shelter in Parkersburg, Executive Director Steve Belisky mentioned a noticeable increase in visitors seeking meals. “We’ve seen more people needing to eat,” he noted. The shelter doesn’t have a food pantry, but it provides “river bags,” filled with shelf-stable food items, to help people through weekends.

“We distribute these on Fridays,” Belisky explained, highlighting the growing need for assistance.

Demand isn’t limited to Parkersburg. The Salvation Army of Marietta has reported a doubling of pantry visits, with Maj. Rose Marie Hughes stating that requests for clothes have also increased. Her freezer, once stocked, is now nearly empty. “We need meat urgently,” she emphasized.

In Belpre, while Belpre Area Ministries President Lisa Stone initially saw no surge, she expects more visitors as concerns about delayed benefits grow. One client, facing a rent increase of $200, is among those seeking help. Stone remarked, “Rent is unusually high right now,” which could lead to more people requesting assistance.

The community’s response has been encouraging, with increased donations making a difference.

Amid rising concerns, Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine recently signed an executive order to provide temporary food assistance. This emergency measure authorizes up to $25 million in aid. This includes direct emergency benefits for over 63,000 Ohioans, particularly children living below the poverty level.

In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey has mobilized the National Guard to assist with food distribution through “Operation Feeding Families.” The emphasis is on ensuring that food packages reach those in need. Recent events in Roane County ran out of supplies within an hour, reflecting the critical demand.

For residents seeking food assistance, resources are available:

• Buckeye Hills food provider directory
• Ohio Job and Family Services agency directory
• Community Action Agency locator
• Southeast Ohio Foodbank

Individuals can also access personal support by calling 2-1-1 or visiting wv211.org for local pantry information.

As demand continues to grow, communities are coming together to ensure that no one goes hungry. Local efforts and spirit are vital in navigating this challenging time.