By Farah Siddiqi
Ohio News Connection
Recent federal executive orders are creating uncertainty for many groups in Ohio, especially when it comes to funding vital services like food banks.
Food banks are essential lifelines for families struggling to put food on the table. Joree Novotny, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, has pointed out that demand is increasing rapidly due to economic challenges. Local organizations are having a tough time keeping up.
“We can do a lot with a little, but we can’t do it all,” said Novotny. “We rely on our partners in government to help us. We need their support to ensure we can assist those in crisis.”
There’s an added hurdle as Gov. Mike DeWine has proposed a state budget that cuts food bank funding by 23%, dropping it from $32 million to $24.5 million. This comes right after a one-time boost of $7.5 million last year, just when food banks are hit with record demand.
Food banks also face challenges balancing supply and demand. More Ohio families are seeking help, stretching the available resources even thinner. Novotny shared a recent example where a food distribution typically sees 175 to 200 families, but this time, there were 300. They had to turn away 65 families because they ran out of supplies.
Despite these pressures, Ohio food banks are committed to their mission. They are urging policymakers for clearer guidance on future funding. Currently, federal programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program and state programs contribute significantly to their resources, making up nearly half of the food distributed across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Last year, Ohio’s food bank networks provided over 244 million meals to nearly 16 million people, including more than 4.8 million children and 3.2 million seniors. This shows the vital role these organizations play in the community.
