Courtesy of WTRF
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OH (WTRF) – With SNAP benefits paused during the government shutdown, families across Jefferson County are feeling the impact. Now, United Way is stepping up to make sure no one goes hungry.
With federal SNAP benefits on hold during the shutdown, food insecurity is growing — and United Way of Jefferson County is working to fill the gap.
“The timing just essentially just happened perfect with SNAP and Mid-Ohio making cuts. Now we can give essentially 15, 30,000 meals to our residents maybe even more.”
Marci Snyder Crawford | Executive Director, United Way of Jefferson County
United Way is teaming up with Meals of Hope to package thousands of freeze-dried meals that will go straight to local pantries. Volunteers will gather December 8 at Franciscan University to assemble them — with supplies already on the way and hands ready to help.
“Seeing that the community will stand up like as down as we are right now, our community is gonna stand up and rally, and we’ll figure it out — gonna happen.”
Marci Snyder Crawford
Funding has poured in from community partners and county leaders, putting the effort on track to reach its first 15,000-meal goal.
“Already have 1,500 from ADP and 250 for McBain Insurance and now the commissioners just gave us 5,000 so essentially, we hit 6,500 for 15,000 meals. The more money we get the more meals we can make.”
Marci Snyder Crawford
Every dollar counts, and it doesn’t take much to make an impact.
“It’s $.45 a meal essentially so even $10 can put so many meals in the hands of people that need it.”
Marci Snyder Crawford
Organizers say it shows that even in difficult times, the community finds a way to lift each other up.