The Athens County Board of Commissioners convened on Tuesday to discuss the effects of the ongoing government shutdown on residents reliant on nutrition assistance programs. Despite a recent ruling by federal judges deeming the Trump administration’s plan to withhold benefits from recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) unlawful, recipients are set to receive only half of their monthly benefits in the coming weeks.
Funding for SNAP benefits will be sourced from a $4 billion contingency fund managed by the Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program. However, adjustments to the payment system are necessary, which will delay the distribution of the reduced benefits. Jean Demosky, executive director of the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), emphasized the urgency of assisting food-insecure residents during this transition.
“You can always pay a medical bill tomorrow, but they can’t eat tomorrow,” Demosky stated. “So, we always prioritize SNAP because people have to eat today.” Currently, 4,612 households in Athens County benefit from SNAP, supporting a total of 8,087 residents, including 2,594 children.
In response to the rising demand for food assistance, the Athens County Food Pantry plans to purchase additional food supplies. Demosky noted a significant increase in attendance at recent food distribution events, with nearly double the number of individuals seeking assistance. To further support the community, the DJFS is establishing canned food donation stations at various locations throughout Athens County, including:
– Athens City-County Health Department, 278 W. Union St.
– AMVETS Post 76, 20 Campbell St.
– Fairfield Inn and Suites Athens, 924 E. State St.
– Merchants National Bank, 20 E. Stimson Ave.
– Save A Lot, 910 E. State St.
– OUCU, 90 S. Shafter St.
– OUCU, 944 E. State St.
– Hilltop Tavern, 3718 Enlow Rd.
– Kroger, 965 Poplar St.
While Gov. Mike DeWine has allocated $7 million to food banks across Ohio, it remains uncertain how much of this funding will reach food banks in Southeast Ohio. Demosky expressed concerns that food banks in metropolitan areas may receive a larger portion of these funds.
The next meeting of the Athens County Commissioners is scheduled for November 11, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the commissioner’s conference room located on the second-floor annex of the Athens County Courthouse at 15 S. Court St.. Community members are encouraged to attend and stay informed about developments regarding nutrition assistance programs.
