Government Shutdown Update

As of Nov. 13, 2025

  • On Nov. 12, the 43-day federal government shutdown ended with the passage of a funding bill that funds government programs through Jan. 30 and includes a year of funding appropriations for USDA and federal food nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC and TEFAP.  
  • SNAP funding was restored in the signed federal budget. November SNAP payments in Ohio will resume, and all SNAP recipients should get their full benefits within the week.
    • SNAP recipients are encouraged to monitor their EBT account via the app or Ohio Benefits portal to see when benefits are disbursed.
    • All SNAP recipients should receive 100% of their November benefits, but when those payments will be made is uncertain.
    • Please note: Some families may still be impacted by eligibility changes to SNAP that took effect Nov. 1, unrelated to the shutdown. Those who may still face uncertainty in their benefits include families with children, older adults and refugee and immigrant neighbors.
  • While the shutdown is ending, its effects will continue. Neighbors who missed paychecks and benefit payments will likely continue to visit the Foodbank and our network for additional support as they recover.
  • The Foodbank is still purchasing more food than ever before, while fewer resources are available. Prior to the shutdown, the Foodbank was already facing funding cuts for food support from state and federal programs, resulting in a 36% reduction in government food received by the Foodbank so far this year. 

 

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Policy Changes Impacting Hunger Relief

July 2025

Due to state and federal program cuts, the Foodbank is receiving 5-6 million fewer pounds of food from government sources (approximately 15% of total distribution) in 2025.

Federal Cuts
  • Four federal programs provided 24% of the Foodbank’s total distribution in 2024. Reduction in USDA support has had an immediate impact on the Foodbank's availability of food.
  • The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) ended on June 30, 2025, reducing fresh food by 450,000 pounds. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) program has been canceled, eliminating 2.5 million pounds of food.
  • Total federal reductions will resulted in nearly 3 million pounds less food in 2025, much of it highly nutritious.
State Cuts
  • The Ohio Food Program (OFP) and Ohio Agriculture Clearance Program (OACP) provided 23% of the Foodbank’s total distribution in 2024.
  • On July 1, Governor DeWine signed into law Ohio's 2026-2027 budget, reducing funding to Ohio’s 12 food banks by $7.5 million, a nearly 20% loss compared to the previous budget.
  • This significant reduction means the loss of approximately 2.5 million pounds of our most nutritious food in 2025 and beyond, presenting a real challenge for our food bank as we work to serve our community. 

These shifts came at a time when the need for food assistance is higher than during the pandemic, and last year was our largest year of food distribution to date. We need your voice and support now more than ever. Please stay engaged and continue to advocate for neighbors facing hunger in our community. 

Additional Ways You Can Help

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Help us spread the word

Create awareness among your family, friends and business colleagues about what the Foodbank is doing to fight hunger in our community.

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Participate in campaigns

Participate in campaigns and special events that bring attention to hunger in our community. View a list of upcoming events.

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Connect with the Foodbank

Connect with the Foodbank on the internet and share the updates with your friends. Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Watch our videos on YouTube.

Become a social media ambassador
Support the Foodbank on-the-go or from the comfort of your home!

A Social Media Ambassador is an individual dedicated to the Foodbank’s mission to feed people and fight hunger by creating awareness about local hunger relief via their personal social media accounts.

After signing up, Social Media Ambassadors will be emailed a custom toolkit with premade social media captions, graphics and profile photo frames. Each month, the most engaged ambassadors will be recognized on the Foodbank’s social media. Thank you for supporting local hunger relief!  

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Create awareness about hunger in our region

Social Media Ambassador Responsibilities

1.) Follow the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.  

  • Facebook: @akroncantonfoodbank  
  • Instagram/Twitter: @acrfoodbank  
  • LinkedIn: @Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank  

2.) Share one or more Foodbank posts on your social media pages/stories per month or use the Foodbank’s premade social graphics and suggested captions in your toolkit. Remember to tag #ACRFBambassador!  

3.) Encourage your friends and family to follow the Foodbank on social media.  

4.) Comment on the Foodbank’s posts to show your support.