Two federal judges on Friday, Oct. 31, ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to release contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that the Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, planned to freeze starting Saturday, Nov. 1, as a result of the federal government shutdown.
However, as of Friday afternoon, it was still uncertain how the ruling would affect the approximately 5,000 Logan County residents who receive regular SNAP benefits, as the federal government shutdown reaches into its second month.
According to data.ohio.gov, which was last updated on Oct. 7, a total of 5,005 Logan County residents were in receipt of SNAP benefits in September 2025, which represents just over 10 percent of the total population.
The average monthly allotment issued in September to Logan County residents was $165 per person, or $5.32 per person per day, a figure which fluctuates from month-to-month as people either join or leave the program. The total SNAP allotment for Logan County for September 2025 was $826,764.
Seven counties in southern Ohio —Adams, Gallia, Lawrence, Jackson, Pike, Scioto, and Vinton — would be hit especially hard by the non-issuance of SNAP benefits as all seven have over 20 percent of their total populations receiving SNAP benefits, with Pike County having the highest percentage in the state with 25.19 percent – representing one in every four residents of the county – receiving benefits.
The county with the lowest percentage of residents who receive SNAP benefits is Holmes County, where 2.67 percent of residents receive SNAP benefits.
Head Start programs across the state will also be effected by the government shutdown, but Logan County has received funds to keep its Head Start Program up and running through the end of the year, while other counties which did not receive their allotment will have to close their Head Start programs starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
In response to the uncertainty for SNAP benefits, area churches, restaurants and organizations are coming together in different capacities to provide aid to county residents.
One of these events includes a public food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Logan County Courthouse in downtown Bellefontaine, organized by the United Silent Majority in Logan County.
Volunteers will be on hand to assist with the donations. Non-perishable food items will be accepted, and in addition, volunteers have the ability to accept frozen meat. Warm clothing can also be donated.
All area food pantries have been invited to take part in this event. All donations collected Saturday will be evenly distributed between the local food pantries that attend this event, organizers said.
In addition, Cynthia Hefner, Logan County Job and Family Services director, related that her office is still open at 1 Hunter Place, Suite B, and accepting applications for all programs.
Hours of operation at Logan County Job and Family Services are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.
“We have asked the federal government, which pays for SNAP, for additional clarification. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share further information as the federal government provides updates,” the director said.
Hefner noted that EBT cards can still be used if the consumer had funds remaining from prior months.
“Not every family and/or individual has the ability to stretch their SNAP funds beyond one month, but those who have, the funds are available for use until depleted,” she said.
The Logan County Job and Family Services director also urged veterans to be in touch with Logan County Veteran’s Services Office.
“Shelley Kneece, director, reached out to remind us to send veterans to their office if they are in need of food assistance during this crisis.
For individuals and group who want to help with the food needs in the community, Hefner encouraged them to reach out to area food pantries.
“Our pantries will be in need of additional resources to fill the growing needs of our community. Giving a monetary donation to the food pantries will allow them to supplement the inventories they already have and purchase what is needed. They know the level of needs and the items that consumers are asking for.”
Second Harvest Food Bank will also be distributing food in Logan County, including the following dates and times:
• Noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 at Lions Park, West Liberty;
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Richland Township Park, Belle Center;
• 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 20 at the Rushsylvania Church of Christ;
• 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 24 at the Logan County Fairgrounds;
•11 a.m. to noon Nov. 25 at St. Vincent de Paul, 463 Madison Ave., Russells Point; and
• Noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 26 at Community Health & Wellness Partners, Bellefontaine.
