CINCINNATI —

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined state leaders on Thursday in announcing a new food assistance plan for families who might be affected by the anticipated suspension of SNAP benefits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said federal food aid will not go out starting Saturday if the government shutdown continues. Advertisement

In Hamilton County alone, around 53,000 adults and 43,000 children rely on federal food assistance, with approximately 1.4 million people using the benefits across Ohio.

According to the governor’s office, DeWine signed an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to give $7 million to Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty

See Full Page