SNAP Benefits Cut in Cincinnati: How Last Mile Food Rescue Is Responding
By Eileen Budo, CEO, Last Mile Food Rescue
Over the past month, we’ve seen how quickly hunger can grab ahold of communities. With the pause in SNAP funding, thousands of families across Hamilton County were suddenly unable to afford even basic groceries.
What’s Happening with SNAP Benefits
In early November, the government announced that SNAP benefits would be cut by 35% during the government shutdown. Meaning recipients would receive only 65% of their typical monthly allotment to feed their families.
For most of those people, any loss of benefits creates a gap in the family budget that didn’t go away when the government reopened.
To make this situation even more gut-wrenching, safety inspectors were furloughed, meaning huge amounts of good food were going to landfills. We are getting daily calls asking us to rescue what is being thrown away.
What This Means for Our Community
When SNAP benefits are cut or delayed, the need hits immediately.
Food banks like Freestore Foodbank reported seeing 500 families in just one day at their Bea Taylor Market location, and around 300 families visiting their Liberty Street market. Kurt Reiber, President and CEO of Freestore Foodbank, noted that 75% of families using their services are actively employed but still not making enough money to make ends meet.
Food assistance is not a political talking point. This is about people who are working full-time jobs but can’t afford to feed their families when a crisis hits.
Governor DeWine allocated $25 million in emergency food assistance, including $7 million to Ohio food banks and $18 million to the poorest families. But even he acknowledged this isn’t a long-term solution.
Why Last Mile’s Work Matters More Than Ever
Last Mile doesn’t replace SNAP. But we do fill the gaps. We rescue food that’s still perfectly good and get it to the people who need it most, fast.
In just one example, our team stepped in to save a truckload of bananas and get them to our local partners like M25M and St. Vincent de Paul. Our trucks, tech, and teamwork got that food to hungry people.
Every day, Last Mile Food Rescue volunteers – our “Food Rescue Heroes” – pick up fresh, surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies that would otherwise be thrown out. We deliver it directly to food pantries, shelters, and community kitchens where people can access it for free.
This work has always mattered. But right now? It’s critical.
When federal benefits are cut, food insecurity spikes. Families who were already stretching their budgets suddenly have to make impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries. Fill a prescription or feed their kids.
How You Can Help Fight Food Insecurity in Cincinnati
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved with food rescue, now is the time.
Donate: Right now, the new Love Thy Neighbor Fund at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is matching all gifts to Last Mile Food Rescue up to $25,000.
That means that every $25 donation will increase to $50 and pay for two rescues. That’s 250 meals that will go to hungry people instead of landfills.
Your $100 gift will fund 5,000 meals, double what it usually pays for.
$1,500 will become $3,000 and fund four full days of our entire fleet operation, covering drivers and fuel for 3 vans and two box trucks, and our storage container.
You can also:
Become a Food Rescue Hero: Download the Last Mile app and sign up to rescue food in Cincinnati. Every rescue you complete puts fresh, nutritious food directly into the hands of our neighbors in need.
Spread the Word: Share this post on social media. Tag a friend. Let people know that when SNAP benefits fail, the community steps up.
Food insecurity was a crisis before November, and it will still be a crisis after. The difference is what we choose to do about it.
At Last Mile, we choose action. We choose community. And we choose to show up, every single day, because our neighbors deserve access to fresh, healthy food, no matter what’s happening in Washington.
Will you join us?
How to Get Food Assistance in Cincinnati Right Now
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, here are Cincinnati resources that can help:
- Multiple locations across Greater Cincinnati
- Emergency food distributions available
Hamilton County Job & Family Services
- Apply for SNAP benefits (applications are still being processed)
- Call 1-844-640-6446
Saint Vincent de Paul Cincinnati
- Outreach center open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM
Community Action Agency Mobile Food Pantry
- Fresh fruits and vegetables for families
- Find their schedule here
- Call 1-866-348-6479
- Helps families find food assistance near them
