Friend:

SNAP benefits remain underfunded, and thousands of our neighbors across Ohio are struggling to put food on the table.

Earlier this week, we shared a link to OhioFoodBanks.org ([link removed]) with ways to donate, volunteer, and take action to end hunger in your community.

The interest was overwhelming, so we wanted to offer even more ways you can help.

But first, let us share some background on what’s at stake:

- 1 out of every 9 Ohioans receives food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

- That’s 1.4 million people, many of whom are children.

- Last month, the Trump administration told all 50 states that SNAP benefits would run out on November 1 because of the government shutdown.

- That’s not true. Congress set aside $6 billion to keep SNAP running in this exact situation. A judge has even ordered Trump to continue funding SNAP.

Why does the Trump administration refuse to fully fund SNAP? Because they want to use food assistance for kids and families as a bargaining chip in their shutdown negotiations.

It’s cruel, immoral, and leaders on both sides of the aisle should condemn it.

Here are some more ways you can show up for your community:

- Donate – This is the most helpful thing you can do to address immediate needs. The Ohio Association of Food Banks ([link removed]) has a map to support your nearest regional food bank. While donations of non-perishable food are always appreciated, donating money allows local food banks to purchase exactly what their community needs – and since they buy in bulk, they can get a much better price than we do at the store. (One Ohio food bank estimates $1 donated becomes $11 worth of groceries in their network.)

- Volunteer – If you’re able to give your time, there are so many different things you can do: Host a food drive, sort and pack donations, deliver meals, help people apply for benefits, and more. You can find ways to help through OhioFoodBanks.org ([link removed]) or through a regional hub like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank ([link removed]) or the Mid-Ohio Food Collective ([link removed]). Want to go the extra mile? Call your local food bank and ask what they need.

- Get Local – New hyperlocal efforts to feed our neighbors are popping up every day! You can find a local fridge or mutual aid effort (or submit a new one) at the Mutual Aid Hub ([link removed]). To help families with infants, you can donate formula at Free Formula Exchange. There might even be a community fridge to stock in your area – and if there isn’t, you can start one yourself with FridgeFinder ([link removed]).

- Advocate – Right now, we can start by demanding that our elected officials use the funds we already have to fund SNAP – you can use this call script ([link removed]).

But hunger is intertwined with every other issue. To end food insecurity in Ohio long-term, we must change our state for the better: raise the minimum wage, protect collective bargaining rights, build more affordable housing, lower the cost of health care, and provide school lunches to kids who need them.

To change our state, we need to change our leaders! Ohio Dems work 365 days a year to elect leaders who serve ALL Ohioans and put people first. You can sign up to volunteer ([link removed]), join your county party ([link removed]), or even run for office yourself ([link removed]).

Thank you for reading. Together, we can make sure no Ohioan goes to bed hungry.

– Ohio Dems
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Ohio Democratic Party
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