This Thanksgiving, Ohio workers and families are holding on by the skin of their teeth
A commentary on rising economic hardship, Trump-era policies, and the growing fight to protect democracy and civil liberties in Ohio and across the U.S.
SNAP
Page 3 of 4
Ohio officials: Federal food benefits for November are flowing
After President Trump’s shutdown-related suspension of SNAP payments, Ohio has now restored food benefits to more than 1.4 million residents, easing pressure on food pantries and completing distribution for November.
Ohioans’ federal food benefits should be issued by midweek, administrator says
Ohio officials expect full SNAP benefits to reach 1.4M residents this week after a federal delay, even as major cuts in recent legislation could strip aid from hundreds of thousands.
US Supreme Court maintains temporary freeze on full SNAP benefits for November
The Supreme Court extended a temporary pause on court orders requiring the Trump administration to release full November SNAP benefits, leaving millions of low-income Americans in limbo as the government shutdown drags on. The stay will remain in effect through Thursday, when the high court will decide whether to intervene further.
Ohio food pantries see record demand in food crisis
As President Donald Trump continues to defy court orders to fund SNAP during the government shutdown, Ohio’s food pantries are reaching a breaking point. Nonprofits report record demand and dwindling supplies as millions of residents lose their federal food assistance.
Future of Ohio’s federal energy assistance unclear as government shutdown wears on
As freezing weather grips Ohio, the Trump administration’s shutdown has put federal heating assistance in jeopardy. The state is keeping its crisis program open with leftover funds, but advocates warn they could soon run dry — leaving hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families at risk of losing heat as winter begins.
US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown
After 40 days of gridlock, the U.S. Senate advanced a bipartisan deal to end the Trump administration’s record-breaking shutdown. The bill restores food assistance for 42 million Americans and brings back laid-off federal workers, but Democrats remain divided over the omission of key Affordable Care Act subsidies — the very issue that sparked the shutdown.
States told by Trump administration to ‘undo’ full SNAP benefits paid for November
After the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, federal officials ordered states to claw back full November food benefits for millions of Americans. The chaotic reversal — impacting 42 million people — drew outrage from governors who say the administration is using hunger as political leverage amid the ongoing shutdown.
US Supreme Court temporarily blocks November SNAP payments
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily sided with the Trump administration, allowing it to halt full food assistance payments for 42 million Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling reverses a lower court’s order to fund November SNAP benefits and leaves millions of families uncertain about how they’ll put food on the table.
What can Ohio lawmakers do in the face of SNAP cuts?
The Trump administration is threatening to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for 1.4 million Ohioans — a $130 million blow to families and local economies — as leverage in the ongoing government shutdown fight. Experts warn the move would worsen hunger, poverty, and economic hardship across the state.
Trump administration ordered to pay full $9B in November SNAP benefits amid shutdown
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately release $9 billion in food assistance after it defied a court deadline to pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The ruling comes as the government shutdown enters its 37th day, with the court blasting Trump officials for using hunger as political leverage and leaving millions of families in limbo.
US Senate talks continue on end to 37-day shutdown, but final deal elusive
As Trump’s shutdown stretched into its 37th day, Senate Democrats stood united behind a plan to tie reopening the government to protecting health care for millions. Progressives urged their party not to “cave” to Republican pressure, insisting that any deal must include an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
States, donors and schools scramble to keep Head Start centers open — for now
As the federal government shutdown drags on, Head Start centers in 18 states have shut down, cutting off early childhood education and vital services for thousands of low-income families. Some states are advancing emergency funds, but advocates warn those fixes are temporary and that the closures are devastating working parents and farmworker communities.
The Trump administration continues to demonstrate its failure to appreciate the plight of American farmers
President Trump’s trade war and failed China “deal” have left U.S. farmers facing record debt, plunging exports, and collapsing markets. While the administration touts temporary bailouts, economists say the policies are enriching investors abroad and worsening the economic and climate crises hitting rural America.
Jon Husted’s shutdown politics are hurting every Ohio family
Months into his first term, Sen. Jon Husted is facing backlash for backing a government shutdown that hurt Ohio workers and families. His votes to end ACA subsidies and restrict Medicaid access could drive health care costs even higher, while his economic policies continue to favor corporations over communities.
Democratic leaders fresh from election wins demand Trump meeting over shutdown
After major Election Day wins nationwide, top Democrats are urging President Donald Trump to end the record-long government shutdown, now in its 36th day. Party leaders say the ongoing standoff is hurting millions of Americans — from furloughed federal workers to families losing access to food assistance — while Republicans show little sign of compromise.
A state-by-state glimpse at the Democrats’ big night
Democrats dominated 2025’s off-year elections, capturing governorships, major city offices, and statewide positions across multiple states. The results mark a strong rebuke to Trump-aligned Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.
A defiant Trump vows no SNAP payments until Democrats cave on shutdown
President Trump reverses course on SNAP benefits, vowing to withhold food assistance from 42 million Americans until Democrats agree to end the government shutdown, despite federal court orders.
Congress remains deadlocked, with government shutdown now on day 35
The U.S. Senate failed for the 14th time to advance a stopgap spending bill as the government shutdown ties the longest ever at 35 days. Transportation Secretary warns of flight chaos due to air traffic controller shortages.
Ohio pantries scramble as food assistance is disrupted
Ohio food pantries report sharp increases in demand as Trump administration cuts SNAP benefits affecting 1.45 million Ohioans. Pantries warn strained resources may not last without federal assistance.
