COLUMBUS, Ohio — Many central Ohio residents began receiving their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits Wednesday, but the checks were significantly smaller than usual.

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, families are receiving up to 65% of their typical benefits.

Despite the reduction, the need for food assistance remains high across the region, and community members continue stepping up to help fill the gap.

“It’s been very difficult,” one resident said. “I’ve been eating leftovers.”

On Columbus’s East Side, a final food giveaway brought relief to nearly 300 families. This was part of Columbus Public Health efforts to distribute emergency food and toiletries to SNAP recipients.

“This right here is a blessing,” said Brigette Wellingt

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