Ohio’s SNAP funding changes to take effect in October

Ohio’s SNAP funding changes to take effect in October

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio —

Ohio food pantries are preparing for a possible increase in demand as changes to federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect Oct. 1.

The federal government is reducing its share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act .

These changes now put 75% of the financial burden on states.

The change will not immediately reduce recipients’ benefits but could affect the staff and infrastructure used to process applications, answer questions and administer the program.

“This will not affect their benefits today; however, it will affect the infrastructure involved in providing access to those benefits,” said Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks.

Ohio’s funding plan under House Bill 730 distributes $12.5 million equally among the state’s 88 counties to help offset the federal cuts.

But counties and local governments still have to make up the difference with the projected shortfall of more than $38 million for Ohio.

Advocates say more populous counties could face greater effects because they serve larger caseloads.

IPM Food Pantry in Clermont County serves about 800 families each week. President and CEO Melissa Meyer said many families already rely on food pantries to supplement their grocery budgets.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a surge in need here at our food pantry,” Meyer said.

The full impact is not expected to be known immediately. IPM Food Pantry is seeking additional volunteers as it prepares for a potential increase in demand.

Other SNAP changes taking effect include updated income eligibility limits. New work requirements took effect in February.