Food banks need help now
The American Rescue Plan Act was enacted to address the devastating health and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Ohio’s share of American Rescue Plan Act state recovery funds totaled $5.4 billion.
How our elected officials choose to spend the funds will make a crucial difference in limiting pandemic-induced hardships and building a more equitable recovery for all Ohioans.
Today, Ohio has $3.2 billion left in fiscal recovery funds. This amount allows Gov. Mike Dewine and lawmakers to support Ohioans who are still struggling and address health inequities exacerbated by the pandemic.
We are all feeling the sting of rising food prices and supply chain challenges at the grocery store. Food banks are fighting the same challenges as inflation has increased costs and decreased charitable donations.
Ohio’s food banks are struggling to meet current demand and need help to keep their shelves stocked. Later this year when the public health emergency ends, food stamp benefits will decrease for families, older adults, and students–putting additional strain on foodbanks and direct service providers.
We ask Gov. Dewine to use $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to shore up the food supply at food banks now. Additionally, we urge the governor and lawmakers to help their constituents by investing American Rescue Plan Act funds in the foodbank distribution network, health care navigators, legal aid services, and direct service nonprofits.
American Rescue Plan Act dollars are meant to help Ohioans and communities recover from the pandemic. Our leaders need to use these funds to make sure Ohioans are fed, housed, and have access to health care.
Susan Jagers, Ohio Poverty Law Center