Toolkit: Feeding Families
Through the Shutdown
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A federal government shutdown isn’t just a political standoff, it’s a looming hunger crisis. On November 1st, over 1.4 million Ohioans will lose access to SNAP benefits (food stamps) if the shutdown continues, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Families, children, and seniors across our state will be left struggling to put food on the table.
This guide is built on a simple principle: dignity and mutual aid. It offers a clear, structured approach for Ohioans who want to help — from providing direct food support to engaging in targeted advocacy that demands action from our leaders.
This guide provides clear messaging, key talking points, and resources to mobilize your community, support local food banks, and ensure no one faces hunger alone.
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Demand that Congress renew the tax credits, stop the shutdown and put families–not billionaires and insurance companies–first.
Demand that Congress negotiates with the Democratic Minority and pass a funding bill that restores SNAP benefits and protects ACA subsidies.
Tell your representatives to stop holding food and healthcare hostage. We need a solution that doesn't make Ohioans worry about putting food on the table or affording healthcare. A majority party must be the one to negotiate when the Senate, House, and President are all Republican. This matter is urgent and may lead to severe hardship or even a loss of life if not acted upon immediately.
Inform and support your community. Provide resources so people can access food. Volunteer, donate, and call to action so others do so too.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on. [10TV 10-25]
The federal government shutdown will directly cut off SNAP benefits (food stamps) on November 1st for over 1.4 million people in Ohio, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). This is not a distant political issue, it's a hunger crisis that will affect our communities soon.
The government shutdown continues because of a political standoff. Republican leaders have added partisan “poison pill” demands to the budget, including cuts to critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which Democrats have refused to accept. As a result, essential programs like SNAP food assistance are now at risk of being cut off.
Inform people that helping out is part of practicing “mutual aid.” The goal is to provide support with respect, recognizing that a systemic failure is the cause of this crisis. Always prioritize the dignity and autonomy of the people you are helping.
The President and the GOP were willing to shut down the government rather than renew the ACA premium tax credits that 22 million Americans rely on for affordable marketplace coverage, and now 1.4 million Ohioans will go hungry.
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SOUND THE ALARM:
Share the truth: Republicans caused the government shutdown because they refuse to renew the tax credits that keep health insurance affordable. Now people are struggling to put food on the table.
Let people know what resources are available, how they can access food or help others do so.
Use your voice to call out the lies, highlight the stakes for families and make clear that the shutdown is affecting families.
PUBLISH OP EDS & LTES
Write to your local paper about the cut off SNAP benefits. Share personal stories about how it affects you or your neighbors.
Stress the bottom line: the government shutdown is hurting families while rich people get another bailout.
Connect to community impact. Local businesses, farms, pantries, etc. will all be impacted by lack of funds.
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