CLEVELAND — Food stamp recipients in Ohio are receiving an advance on their benefits as part of a plan to help assist people during the partial government shutdown.
RELATED: Food stamps guaranteed through February, USDA says
The state plans to give all SNAP recipients their February benefits by Wednesday. The remaining recipients will receive benefits at the time of certification, according to a news release from Cuyahoga County.
Currently, there are 1.4 million people in Ohio who receive SNAP benefits.
RELATED: How local businesses, organizations are helping government workers during the shutdown
Recipients who get their February benefits early will not receive their benefits for February as they normally would and will need to budget accordingly.
The USDA is using a provision in the continuing resolutionthat expired on Dec. 21 that allows the agency to spend money within 30 days, even without having a budget for the next fiscal year.
SNAP benefits will be available on their regular date in March if the shutdown is resolved. The department said that they will immediately look for options to cover benefits in March once February benefits are in place.
1. Online at https://benefits.ohio.gov/
2. By calling 844-640-OHIO (6446)
3. By submitting a paper application at the nearest Neighborhood Family Service Center (NFSC):
• Virgil E Brown 1641 Payne Avenue
• Quincy Place 8111 Quincy Avenue
• Old Brooklyn 4261 Fulton Parkway
• Southgate 3955 Euclid Ave
If your SNAP benefits have been impacted by the shut down, here are other community resources offering help:
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland: 216-619-8155
United Way 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1
Greater Cleveland Food Bank: 216-738-2067
In partnership with Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the United Way of Lake County will be distributing free milk to those in need on Jan. 24 from 3-6 p.m. The food bank will have approximately have 3,888 individual half-gallons of skim and 1 percent milk to the public.
Residents should bring a photo ID along with bags to carry the milk. Milk will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pickup locations is at United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor.
Find out how other organizations and businesses in Cleveland are helping those affected by the shutdown here.
