The governor said the executive order will direct the ODJFS to give $7 million to food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits.

The state of Ohio announced Thursday that it will provide up to $25 million in support for food assistance to help individuals and families who are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov. 1.

Ohio lawmakers announced a plan Thursday to provide up to $25 million in support for food assistance to help families that may soon be affected by the anticipated suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

This week, states like New Mexico and Vermont have announced plans to protect residents for part of November. The former is using $30 million of state funding to temporarily support food assistance, which will last about 10 days. The latter has approved $6.3 million in state funding that will cover 15 days of SNAP benefits.

Gov. DeWine ordered $25 million in support for food assistance to help families affected by the anticipated suspension of federal benefits.

The federal government shutdown is having widespread effects on millions of Americans, as critical food assistance programs face funding cuts.

The Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs is preparing for a significant increase in demand, anticipating up to a 30% rise in people seeking help if SNAP benefits end. The center’s CEO, Francis Horton, expressed uncertainty about the future, saying they are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.