Lucas County leaders look for solutions before 72,000 people don't receive SNAP benefits

LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio —

Federal food assistance may not be disbursed for the month of November, which concerns Lucas County officials.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said if the government shutdown continues, there's not enough money to keep the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program going.

Almost 72,000 people in the Lucas County, roughly 17% of the total population, received SNAP benefits in September, and about 44% of them are kids. So, $13.1 million of SNAP benefits would not come to the county.

"We have 11 days to the 11th month before people are in the 11th hour where they're not going to have what they need," state Rep. Erika White (D- Springfield Township) said.

Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken said the potential loss of SNAP benefits will have far-reachi