Public News Service

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

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

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 …

Ohio's minimum wage increased this year to $10.45 per hour, but a report by the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio found full-time workers in the Columbus area need to earn $22.37 an hour to rent a two-bedroom apartment. (Adobe Stock)

Annual point-in-time count of homeless set for Columbus, Franklin County

More than 150 volunteers will fan out across Columbus and Franklin County this week for the annual point-in-time count of the homeless. Last year's …

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 …

As many as 100,000 Americans have been forced to stay home from work each month because of child care issues, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Child-care crisis mounts in Appalachian Ohio

In Appalachian Ohio, quality child care is increasingly scarce or prohibitively expensive for working families. Even before COVID-19, 60% of rural …

States on April 1 began ending Medicaid coverage for people found ineligible or whose redetermination can't be completed for procedural reasons, a process known as Medicaid unwinding. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio sees coverage losses as Medicaid unwinding continues

More Ohioans are at risk for losing their health coverage through Medicaid because of procedural errors, according to a recent analysis. Federal rule …

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…

Families in Early Head Start have stable home environments and less involvement with the child welfare system, according to the National Head Start Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Congress proposes slashing funding for Head Start programs

More than 3,000 Ohio children could lose access to Head Start programs under budget cut proposals now being considered by Congress. From birth …

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau research from 2021 showed consumer credit records reflected $88 billion worth of medical debt. (Adobe Stock)

Akron is Latest OH City to Retire Medical Debt

Since the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, a number of cities and counties in Ohio and around the nation have used ARPA funding to …

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve Bank lowered interest rates to nearly zero to stimulate the economy, according to Experian. (Adobe Stock)

Americans’ Credit Card Debt Reaches Record High

Amid inflation, more Ohioans are relying on credit cards to meet basic needs, and the nation is now saddled with nearly $988 billion in credit card …

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 …

Adults ages 65 and older make up approximately 16.8% of the U.S. population, or more than 55.8 million adults, and are estimated to comprise 21% of the population (73.1 million) by 2030, according to a new report from UnitedHealthcare. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

By 2030, more than one in five Americans - more than 73 million people age 65 and over - will be of retirement age, as the last of the Baby Boomer …

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 …

In 2022, there were more than 37,000 dollar stores in the United States, up by 1,500 from the previous year, according to the website Statista. (Adobe Stock)

In Toledo, Dollar Stores Leave Trail of Neighborhood Disinvestment

New research found more communities are rejecting the expansion of so-called "dollar stores" into their areas, and even enacting local laws to limit …

Housing availability has been squeezed by a near-record increase in the number of American homeowners in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.(Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio’s Affordable Housing Shortage is Worsening

Ohio's affordable housing shortage has worsened over the past year, according to new data from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio and …

Tenants' unions provide space to air grievances and discuss ways to advocate for better conditions for renters. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans Cope with Rising Rents

By Jala Forest/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Rents have been rising fast …

About one in four Ohioans filters in and out of poverty, and can't seem to stay above the Federal Poverty Line, according to the latest research. (Adobe Stock)

'More People Are Poor Than the Poverty Rate Says'

More than 1.4 million people in the Buckeye State live in poverty, according to the 2022 State of Poverty in Ohio report. The Ohio Association of …

The gap between rents and wages is wider in rural areas of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Rents are Skyrocketing in Ohio

A new study shows there is no place in Ohio - or the United States, for that matter - where a person who's working at minimum wage full-time can …

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 …

Cleveland had the highest foreclosure rate in the country in the first quarter of 2022. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Funding Available to Stem Foreclosures in Ohio

Ohio homeowners who are struggling to stay afloat because of the pandemic may qualify for special assistance. A U.S. Foreclosure Market Report in …

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 …

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…

New census data suggests that kids were the biggest beneficiaries of stimulus payments during 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Data Reveals Promising Drop in Ohio Child Poverty

New data reveals a promising trend in the well-being of Ohio's kids. In 2020, 16.8% of Ohio children lived in poverty, nearly 423,000 children…

Ohio electric customers are expected to pay about 6% more for home heating costs this winter. <br />(Adobestock)

Winter Crisis Program Offers Gift of Warmth

It's beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Buckeye State, and the Winter Crisis Program offers the gift of warmth to Ohioans burdened by their …

About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.<br />(avtk/Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a system plagued by a history of disparities, Ohio's child-welfare workers and children's advocates say it is time to reimagine …

Poverty can be misconstrued as neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As policymakers and child-welfare leaders move to transform the foster-care system, advocates say there are misconceptions about …

Without health-care coverage, children are more likely to have unmet health needs and a regular source of care. (Rido/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

New Research Highlights Child Health Benefits in Build Back Better

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act, because it would improve Medicaid and the …

The Home Weatherization Program returns an estimated $2.78 in non-energy benefits for every $1.00 invested. (Adobe Stock)

45 Years of Making Ohio Homes Warmer and Safer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As chilly autumn temperatures set in around the state, and National Weatherization Day arrives tomorrow, a program helping Ohioans …

According to the Urban Institute, extending the Child Tax Credit expansion through 2025 would reduce child poverty by 40%. (Adobe Stock)

Clock's Ticking to Get Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The clock is ticking for Ohio families to ensure they get the benefits of Child Tax Credit payments for 2021. The American Rescue …

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-…

Ohio's poverty rate is 13.1%, while the U.S. rate is 12.3%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic's Ripple Effects Had Big Impact on Low-Income Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The number of Ohio residents living in poverty was trending down before the pandemic, but advocates in Ohio emphasized there is …

Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Report Reveals Growing Divide Between Ohio Wages and Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The gap between rent and wages continues to widen in Ohio, according to new research. The annual Out of Reach report showed the …

The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)<br />

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Ohio families will soon get extra cash to keep up with the cost of raising their kids. The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion …

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-…

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 …

Owners of federally subsidized housing tend to generate less rental income and more operating costs than than market-rate housing projects. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Hundreds of Groups Argue Against Change to Affordable Housing Valuations

COLUMBUS, Ohio - More than 300 Ohio groups and businesses are voicing opposition to a state budget amendment that would change how affordable housing …

The expanded Child Tax Credit for 2021 is $3,600 for a child under age six. (Pixabay)

Expanded Child Tax Credit: A Game-Changer for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A historic expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit could be a game-changer for Ohio families. According to state data, nearly 10%…

Ohio could get $700 million for emergency rental assistance from the American Rescue Plan.<br />(Adobe Stock)

New Law to Ease Burden of Ohioans Past-Due on Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An estimated 10% of all renters are behind on their rent payments, which, in Ohio, is about 370,000 households. Social-service …

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 …

There are new efforts to protect at-risk children from the trauma of being removed from their homes.<br />(AdobeStock)

A Family-First Focus for Children Services in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Work to reform foster care in Ohio is getting a boost from a new federal law. The Family First Prevention Services Act will be …

Is a $15 minimum wage a boon for workers or a job killer? (Adobeworkers)

New Legislative Bid for $15 Minimum Wage in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There's a renewed bid to raise Ohio's minimum wage to $15 per hour. Rep. Brigid Kelly, D-Cincinnati, asked colleagues to co-…

An estimated 600,000 Ohio kids will benefit from the extension of a pandemic food-assistance program. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Gets Green Light to Extend Food Assistance for Kids

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A key hunger-fighting program for Ohio children is being extended through the end of the school year. The Pandemic Electronic …

A new report calls for policies that ensure all children can thrive in a post-pandemic world. <br />(AdobeStock)

Pandemic Exacerbates Food, Housing Struggles for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New data reveals what many policy experts have feared for months: The pandemic has taken a serious toll on the well-being of Ohio's …

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OH: Poverty Issues