Locals feel ‘angry,’ ‘confused’ on SNAP benefits’ impending changes

Waiting for guidance. As states start to feel the impact of President Trump’s tax law, known as the  “Big Beautiful Bill,” Ohio’s benefits programs are waiting for the next steps following the bill’s anticipated changes to  SNAP, a food assistance program nearly 1.5 million Ohioans utilize, according to The Ohio Association of Foodbanks. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dates back to the Great Depression and, according to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, is still “our nation’s first line of defense against hunger.”

Additionally, there are three million people who teeter on the edge of the eligibility requirements – 30% of Ohio’s population. Impending changes to the program increase work-reporting requirements for nearly all individuals seeking benefits.

“So there’s a lot more people that don’t have anywhere else to turn,” said Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “They’re not poor enough to qualify for SNAP but might still find themselves facing budget shortfalls.”

As the national budget is reorganized over the next few years, Ohio is set to start paying 75% of the costs for food assistance programs. Previously, there was an even split between the federal and state governments. 

Cuyahoga County’s director of Job and Family Services, Kevin Gowan, is concerned about the funding changes and the requirement to bring down Ohio’s 9.01% error rate from 2024. 

“I believe it’s 43 states have higher than a 6% error rate in 2024,” Gowan said. “So it is actually very difficult to get below a 6% error rate. And that’s a heavy concern for us.” 

A lower error rate could save Ohio money with accurate payment amounts to people who are eligible for SNAP benefits. However, it is challenging to achieve with complicated  requirements and self-reporting errors. 

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s President & CEO, Kristin Warzocha, emphasized the impact of SNAP benefits at Cuyahoga County’s community conversation about changes for residents. 

“For years, we’ve been talking about the importance of the SNAP program and how for every one meal provided by a food bank nationwide, nine meals are provided by SNAP,” said Warzocha. “And what that means is that when there are changes to the program, even changes that feel very small, they can have a large impact.”

While Ohio awaits guidance from the USDA, officials say updating personal information on benefits.ohio.gov can ensure counties can communicate with and best serve those seeking resources.

For those wanting to fight food insecurity, local food banks are rallying support this September for Hunger Action Month. 

Sydney Brown is a Kent Stater TV Reporter. Contact her at sbrow232@kent.edu.