Public News Service

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

According to the 2019-2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, 23% of undergraduate and 12% of graduate students experience food insecurity, translating to over four million students nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's food insecurity bill: A path to academic success

A new Ohio bill aims to address the growing issue of food insecurity among college students. The legislation proposes establishing food resource …

The United States sends nearly 80 billion pounds of food to municipal solid waste landfills annually. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State tackles household food waste

Ohio State University is spearheading a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative to reduce food loss and waste in the United …

Chronic absence from school may be driving learning loss. Some 30% of students, about 14.7 million, were chronically absent in 2021-2022, nearly double pre-pandemic rates, according to new data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Report: Ohio make has made some progress on child well-being

Math and reading proficiency among Ohio kids has worsened over the past five years, according to new data. The latest Kids Count Data Book from the …

Feeding America estimates that 22 million children nationwide experience hunger each summer, because they miss out on nutrition programs through their schools. (Adobe Stock)

New Ohio EBT/SUN Bucks program to feed more kids this summer

Eligible Ohio families will receive $120 this summer to buy groceries for their children through a new summer EBT/SUN Bucks program. Brigette Hires…

Skimming devices placed in grocery and convenience stores can be used to steal EBT card funds from low-income people. (Adobe Stock)

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

The federal SNAP program allows nearly 1.3 million Ohio families to put food on the table -- but increasingly, when many recipients attempt to use …

According to a January Household Pulse Survey, 90% of respondents reported their basic monthly food purchases cost more now than a year ago. (Adobe Stock)<br />

OH food banks overwhelmed one year after emergency SNAP benefits end

One year after emergency SNAP benefits ended, Ohio food banks said they are struggling with increased grocery costs and record-high numbers of …

Grants offer Ohioans funding to improve food access, housing and more

A community of older residents in Alliance, Ohio, now has better access to fresh foods, thanks to funding to help local people convert a vacant space …

A 2023 statewide survey of Ohio by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks found 68% of households had to choose between purchasing food and transportation or gas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio foodbanks say Thriving Families Tax Credit could help reduce hunger

Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal that would implement a statewide refundable child tax credit. Regional food banks say the bill would help …

In 2022, approximately 49 million people, one out of every six people in the United States, turned to hunger relief programs for support, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation, Farm Bill uncertainty have OH food banks concerned about 2024

Looming federal budget deadlines are just a few weeks away, and food banks in Ohio say the risk of reduced funding for nutrition, health care and …

More than 30 states have expanded Medicaid coverage for new moms to one year after childbirth, according to the group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

WIC funding cuts could worsen Ohio maternal, infant health

Food banks in Ohio say proposed cuts to the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants, and Children would be devastating for …

If there is a shortfall in WIC funding, program administrators said states would respond by putting some eligible people on waiting lists. (Jade Maas/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: WIC will have to ration benefits if budget not increased

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is facing a funding shortfall in Ohio and nationwide, even without the …

Farmers and ranchers steward about 44% of the United States' landmass. (ZoranZeremski/Adobe Stock)

Stalled farm bill will likely affect Ohioans

The once-every-five-year Farm Bill will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from finding a path forward…

Through the Farm Bill, the USDA provided $550 million in base funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, to support states in distributing food through food banks. (Adobe Stock)

As Farm Bill stalls, OH food banks see 'unprecedented levels' of demand

The still-looming threat of a federal government shutdown and chaos in Congress have pushed Farm Bill negotiations to the side. Ohio food banks said …

In Ohio, one in eight adults and one in seven children faces hunger, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

AmeriCorps/Vista Budget Cuts Could Impact Ohio Food Banks

Lawmakers in Congress want to slash by half funding for the nation's AmeriCorps programs. Ohio groups opposed to that move say it would have wide-…

According to Feeding America, Mahoning County had a food-insecurity rate of 13.4% in 2021<br />(Facebook/Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries)

As Pandemic-Era Changes End, Ohio’s Food-Insecure Struggle

By Leah Shepard / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. At Heart Reach Neighborhood …

Pre-pandemic, nearly 100,000 schools served lunches to around 29 million students each day, including, more than 20 million free lunches, according to the School Nutrition Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Governor Signs Budget Including No-Cost School Meals

More Ohio students who qualify for reduced-priced meals will now be able to eat breakfast and lunch at school, even if their families cannot pay for …

Eight of 10 distressed communities are rural, and 60% of the residents in those counties are people of color, according to the group Rural Organizing. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Rebuild Rural America Act Could Counter Economic Decline in Rural Ohio

Rural Ohio towns could see boosts in economic development projects, and investments in workforce development, emergency preparedness and water and …

In 2021, some 53% of working adults ages 25 to 54 were parents, and more than a third of those parents had young children, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe stock)<br />

Child Care Crisis a Barrier to Economic Mobility for Ohio Families

Ohio ranks 29th among states in overall child well-being, according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. Child care …

More than three in four Ohio food bank visitors have said that since the end of pandemic-era SNAP benefits, their household's SNAP benefit is completely used up within the first two weeks each month, according to new data from the Ohio Association of Food Banks. (Adobe Stock)

More Ohioans Skipping Meals to Pay for Household Expenses

Record-high demand has prompted the Ohio Association of Food Banks to request additional funding in the biennial budget to increase the capacity of fo…

According to AARP, almost half of households nationwide receiving SNAP benefits include an older adult. (Adobe Stock)

Older-Adult Food Insecurity on Rise in Ohio

Older adults now make up nearly one in four of all food-pantry visitors across Ohio, and hunger-fighting groups say the number could spike with the …

The federal government spends more than $14 billion, including around $12 billion in reimbursements, on school meals nationwide, according to the School Nutrition Association. (Adobe Stock)

Some Ohio Kids Being Denied Lunch When They Can’t Pay

School nutrition providers told Ohio lawmakers this week they're tired of hounding parents for school lunch money when their child's account accrues d…

One in three Ohio kids that lives in a food insecure household doesn't qualify for free or reduced school meals, according to the Children's Defense Fund Ohio. (Ohio Education Association)<br />

Staggering Rise in School Lunch Debt Across Ohio

As families struggle with inflation and high gas prices, Ohio schools said they are seeing a staggering rise in the number of students whose parents …

The 2018-2023 Farm Bill is projected to cost around $428 billion, according to the estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. (Adobe Stock)

Push to Rebuild Regional Food Systems as 2023 Farm Bill Takes Shape

Next week, Ohio farmers and their advocates head to Washington, D.C., to push for shifting federal programs toward growing nutritious food, as …

In 2022 Ohio food banks distributed more than 242 million pounds of food and grocery items to residents in all 88 counties. (Adobe Stock)

More OH Families Max Credit Cards, Turn to Food Banks for Groceries

Winter utility bills, ongoing inflation and easing pandemic-related supports are putting pressure on Ohioans' household budgets. Food banks report …

Almost 60% of Black students and 50% of Latino students experience food insecurity, compared with 30% of their non-Hispanic white peers, according to a study by the Wisconsin HOPE Lab. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio College Students Cope with Food Insecurity

By Jala Forest / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration Nearly 40% of college students a…

More than 37 million Americans (about 1 in 10 people) live with diabetes, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Affordable Insulin, Better Clinic Experience Could Improve Diabetes Care

November is National Diabetes Month, and one in five people in Appalachian Ohio lives with diabetes. Despite increasing prevalence, providers in …

The Farm Bill is a five-year spending measure that addresses the agriculture industry, food systems, nutrition programs and more. (Mike/Flickr)

2023 Farm Bill: Creating Healthier Future for Farming, Food

Congress must pass a 2023 Farm Bill before the end of the year, a measure which not only impacts farming but also what's on our plates. The Ohio …

Ohio school districts that implemented free school meals for all have reported a 20% increase in student participation. (USDA)<br />

Ohio Education Leaders Support Free School Meals for All

Education officials in Ohio want state leaders to invest in free school meals for all students. Pandemic-era federal waivers enabling schools to …

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks says some hunger-assistance programs are rationing food for those in need because of low inventory. (OAFB)

Long Lines, Empty Shelves: Ohio's Hunger Response Network is Hurting

New faces, longer lines and empty shelves: Ohio's hunger-fighting network is sounding the alarm as it faces unprecedented challenges. At the …

Some school districts are concerned the expiration of USDA waivers will have negative impacts on school meal programs. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Coalition Calls for Free School Meals to Avoid Child Hunger Cliff

Much like textbooks and transportation, a healthy lunch is a vital part of a child's school day and can help achieve educational success. Since …

Families that cannot find infant formula are advised to call their pediatrician or local WIC office for assistance. (Adobe Stock)

Baby Formula Shortage a 'Very Dire' Situation for Ohio Families

The nationwide shortage of baby formula has many Ohio families scrambling to feed their little ones. Just a couple of months after a baby-formula …

An estimated 30 million students are receiving free school meals, about 10 million more than before eligibility requirements were waived because of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Policies Took a Bite Out of Child Hunger

Federal pandemic waivers took a bite out of child hunger, according to census data, and there are concerns those trends could be reversed when the …

Ohio currently has roughly 157,000 WIC participants. (Adobe Stock)

OH Study Makes Case for Online WIC Program

New research is making the case for an online system to better serve young families who depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women…

The WIC nutrition program had 32% less funding in Fiscal Year 2021 than Fiscal Year 2010, when taking inflation into account. (Adobe Stock)

Stop the Stopgap: Groups say Ohioans Deserve More Certainty, Dignity

Federal programs that help struggling Ohioans are running on a temporary spending bill that expires in 10 days, on March 11, and hundreds of groups …

Ohio's hunger-relief network provides food and personal care items to nearly one million Ohioans each month. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio's Hunger-Fighting Network Navigates New Challenges

In the latest COVID variant surge, Ohio's hunger-relief network is facing unique challenges. With missed wages due to illness, quarantining and …

A survey found that increased SNAP benefits during the pandemic helped families eat healthier foods. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Pandemic Assistance Programs a Lifeline for Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A new survey of Ohioans confirms assistance programs have been a lifeline for families reeling from the effects of the pandemic…

An adjustment to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan goes into effect on October 1st. (Adobe Stock)

OH Groups: Make Programs that Support Families Permanent

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio food security advocates welcomed news last week of the largest permanent increase to SNAP benefits coming this fall and they …

The number of children whose families receive SNAP benefits in Ohio decreased from 32.2% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Well-Being Data Can Help OH Allocate ARP Funds

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to the pandemic, Ohio counties saw fewer kids in poverty and other strides in improving child well-being, but the public-…

Around 16% of Greater Cincinnatians surveyed during the pandemic said they had serious problems paying their mortgage or rent. (AdobeStock)

1 in 4 Ohioans Hit by Financial Toll of Pandemic

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of Ohioans, and data continues to evolve that is uncovering the far-…

OEFFA's 2021 Sustainable Food and Farm Tour will feature an organic dairy pasture walk. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Farm Tour Series Back after Pandemic Pause

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some farmers and growers in Ohio are ready to share their knowledge and showcase the work they do to get food from the field to the …

Ohioans going through tough times can use SNAP benefits to purchase food at grocery stores. (AdobeStock)

SNAP Provisions in Ohio Budget Raise Red Flags

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Conference Committee working on Ohio's budget could vote as early as today on measures that could make it more difficult to …

For every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP provides nine. (AdobeStock)

50% of Ohio's Food Insecure Shut Out of Federal Food Assistance

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is often called 'the first line of defense against hunger,' and it's out of …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps about 1.5 million Ohioans. (USDA/Flickr)

New Barriers to SNAP Access Proposed in Ohio Bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill that would make it more difficult to obtain food assistance in Ohio faces an uncertain future. More than 60 people have …

A survey found 38% of students at four-year colleges were food insecure at the start of the pandemic. (AdobeStock)

New Opportunities to Connect College Students to SNAP

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Hunger is an unfortunate reality for many Ohio college students, but there are new opportunities to help connect more students to …

Ohio food banks have been stretched over the past year as more people battle hunger. (AdobeStock)

Hunger Help: Ohio Food Bank Leader says "We Can Do Better"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As state leaders balance complex funding needs in the state's next two-year budget, hunger-fighting groups argued there's nothing …

Sustainable agriculture advocate Navina Kahnna says holistic changes are needed to end inequalities in the nation's food system. (HEAL Food Alliance)<br /><br /><br />

Can a Divided Nation Make Its Food System More Fair?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The nation is at a turning point with a new push for unity, and some groups say changing our food system is one crucial step in …

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OH: Hunger/Food/Nutrition