Ohio State rallies resources to help families during SNAP delays

COLUMBUS - With more than 1.4 million Ohioans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, a recent delay in benefits has cast a shadow of uncertainty across the state, impacting families statewide.

As many households face tough new realities, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), through its outreach arm, Ohio State University Extension, is stepping up to offer practical solutions, guidance and connections to food assistance.

Throughout Ohio, OSU Extension is working tirelessly to link families to food resources; share education on healthy and affordable eating; and provide support through partnerships with local pantries, food banks and community organizations.

"During challenging times, one of the most powerful messages we can share from OSU Extension is this: You are not alone," said Kathy Tutt, assistant professor and educator, family and consumer sciences, OSU Extension. "Extension is deeply rooted in communities across Ohio, and every day we witness the strength, compassion and resilience of Ohioans."

Tutt highlights that even small actions - like knowing how to properly read food date labels - can make a big difference.

"Understanding the difference between 'Best By,' 'Use By' and 'Expiration' dates can prevent unnecessary waste and help families maximize their food budgets," Tutt said. "For example, 'Best By' dates indicate peak quality, not safety, while 'Expiration' dates should be strictly followed for items like infant formula.

"And freezing items before they reach their date can extend shelf life and stretch a family's resources, without compromising safety."

Tutt recommends OSU Extension's dedicated expiration resource for more information.

Affordable, nutritious meals are at the heart of OSU Extension's efforts. Tutt's favorite money-saving recipe - lentil spaghetti - swaps lentils for ground beef, offering a protein-rich and satisfying alternative at a fraction of the cost.

"When cooked, lentils have a texture very similar to ground beef, making them a satisfying and cost-effective alternative," she said. "The sauce, made from pantry staples such as tomato paste, diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano and basil, balances savings with nutrition."

Alisha Barton, Extension educator with family and consumer sciences, emphasizes a statewide push to get useful, actionable information to families as quickly as possible.

"We are sharing recipes and tips on social media, featuring a new recipe daily that focuses on inexpensive ingredients found in any pantry," Barton said. "The Celebrate Your Plate website is front and center - a great resource for anyone looking for affordable options."

An initiative of Ohio SNAP-Ed - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - the Celebrate Your Plate website is designed to help Ohioans live healthier lives by providing easy, affordable recipes and tips for eating more fruits and vegetables. The site is a free resource offering practical meal ideas, food safety advice and shopping tips specifically tailored for families with limited food budgets.

Barton recommends a practical approach that starts at home.

"Check expiration dates and use what's already in your pantry, fridge or freezer," Barton said. "You may only need a few items to round out meals for the week. Limiting trips and sticking to a grocery list is essential. Stores are designed to encourage extra purchases."

For additional savings, store apps and coupons can make a real difference. Barton also urges families not to overlook local food pantries.

"A few basic items from a pantry can help stretch a grocery budget, and many OSU Extension offices offer classes or advice to help with meal planning or budgeting," she said.

Beyond providing direct food assistance, Laura Halladay, OSU Extension program specialist, emphasizes the importance of broader support for those facing food insecurity.

"A great resource for finding specific food banks in a particular county is to locate the one serving your area via the Ohio Association of Food Banks website," Halladay said. "Food banks often serve multiple counties and maintain lists of local pantries on their websites.

"We encourage Extension staff to connect with these groups to identify needs like financial assistance, donated items or volunteer opportunities."

Halladay also highlights how Extension educators support Ohioans beyond pantry referrals.

"As trusted community resources, educators help families develop spending plans, eat healthy on a budget, store food safely and even navigate difficult personal conversations. We provide guidance on self-care - important when facing food insecurity," she said.

Looking forward, Halladay says Extension's role may expand in response to community needs.

"We often act as connectors and collaborators of resources," she said. "If SNAP support continues to fluctuate, we will adapt our efforts to meet emerging demands."

Across Ohio, OSU Extension educators have forged innovative partnerships with tangible results. In Miami County, Barton started a Local Food Council that brought food pantries and agencies together, solving immediate distribution needs and recovering thousands of pounds of unused food for local families.

OSU Extension's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) , offered in 14 Ohio counties, teaches limited-resource adults with children how to make healthier, safer and more affordable food choices. The program provides participants with skills in food preparation, budgeting and physical activity, while specialized education supports pregnant and new mothers.

To find out more or enroll in a free, local EFNEP class, visit go.osu.edu/nutrition-ed or contact your county Extension office .

Social media amplifies these efforts, sharing quick recipes and food safety reminders to communities statewide. Cooking demonstrations - hosted in partnership with local pantries - show families how to turn pantry staples into meal solutions, putting knowledge into action.

Looking ahead, OSU Extension remains vigilant.

"Together, we are stronger," Tutt said. "And together, we will continue to lift one another up."

Barton agrees: "We want to do all we can to put resources for pantries, free meals and other necessities into the hands of those who need them as quickly as possible."

With SNAP delays affecting Ohio's families, Extension's mission - grounded in CFAES' land-grant commitment to outreach and education - is more critical than ever. Through education, compassion and community-driven action, the organization is helping Ohioans weather uncertain times and safeguarding the state's long-term vitality in the process.

"We see neighbors helping neighbors, businesses providing free meals and volunteers giving their time to support families," Tutt said. "Ohioans have a remarkable ability to come together, no matter what challenges lie ahead."

For more resources or to connect with your local OSU Extension office, visit extension.osu.edu .