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Brightside Project Delivers Emergency Food Aid to Children as Shutdown Cuts SNAP

The effort responds to Ohio’s roughly 50% cut to November SNAP allotments during the shutdown.

Overview

  • The Salem nonprofit distributed crisis relief food bags on Nov. 5 from 4–6 p.m. at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave., with a second distribution set for Nov. 12 at the same time and place.
  • Volunteers prepared about 400 child-friendly food bags, more than 200 were picked up in the first hour, and Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ is serving hot meals during both events.
  • Children ages 3–18 in households affected by the shutdown are eligible, including SNAP recipients and children of federal workers, with children present or documentation such as a SNAP letter, proof of federal employment, and birth certificates required.
  • The program is directed to Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County, including the South Range, West Branch, Sebring, Jackson-Milton, Springfield Local, and Western Reserve school districts.
  • Ohio’s Jobs and Family Services agency reported federal guidance for a partial November SNAP payment that halves maximum benefits, which the Brightside Project says it is working to supplement.