Provided by Franklin County Board of Commissioners

This morning, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Health and Human Services leaders, representatives from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and representatives from refugee-focused community groups came together to highlight the impact of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on families across Franklin County.

In Franklin County, more than 4,000 of our refugee neighbors are receiving letters this week notifying them that they’re losing benefits. This includes over 1,700 children and 300-plus seniors. It also includes more than 400 are Iraqis and Afghans who risked their lives to support U.S. operations overseas and over two dozen survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. The Franklin County Board of Commssioners used the press conference to highlight how these changes to SNAP will harm our community. “For many, government programs like SNAP can be a lifeline,” said Board President Erica C. Crawley. “Refugees work and pay taxes, but just like many of us, they’re facing rising costs for housing, child care, and health care. These supplemental benefits make a real difference, as they do for all the 180,000-plus Franklin County residents on SNAP. Families should not have to choose between putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their head.”

The conversation today emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, advocacy, and awareness to address hunger and economic instability throughout the region. The event concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring that every resident of Franklin County has access to nutritious food and a fair chance to thrive.

“Recent policy changes and reductions in SNAP benefits have had real and immediate consequences nationwide,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “As food prices continue to rise and federal support diminishes, households face impossible choices. When families can’t rely on SNAP, they are forced to spend their limited income on food, often at the expense of medical care, rent, or utilities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.”

County Administrator Kenneth Wilson underscored the County’s commitment to meeting this challenge alongside local partners. “Franklin County is exploring all the options we have available to meet this moment with our partners at the Food Collective to ensure our families and neighbors who are losing SNAP benefits still have access to nutritious foods through their pantry network,” he said.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, together with their community partners, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring all residents have access to food, stable housing, and opportunities to thrive with the shared goal of building a stronger, more resilient Franklin County.

For more information about SNAP changes, local resources, or ways to help, please click here.