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(WJW) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.
Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown
It’s not clear yet when recipients will receive their next round of benefits; it wasn’t immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling. That process often takes one to two weeks.
But in the meantime, here is a list of food and discounts being offered to residents in Northeast Ohio.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Greater Cleveland Food Bank partners with more than 1,000 programs and agencies in Northeast Ohio, according to its website. Click here for a full list of food pantries or meal sites. You can also call at 216-738-2067.
The food bank also has a Community Resource Center, which offers a food market and partners with several agencies in the area.
The food bank provides assistance to residents in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland and Richland counties.
With SNAP benefits set to disappear, a Cuyahoga County coalition wants to bridge the gap
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio
Second Harvest Food Bank assists residents in Lorain, Erie, Huron and Crawford counties.
It partners with more than 130 charities and school districts with food pantries, hot meal programs, mobile pantries and more. Residents also sign up to receive texts regarding future distributions and food assistance and can search for facilities near them. Click here for more.
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank serves Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. The food bank partners with more than 600 food pantries and meal sites.
They offer direct service programs including pop-up distributions and foodbank food pantries.
Click here to find even more assistance in your area through the foodbank.
Instacart
Instacart said Friday it will offer customers who receive SNAP benefits 50% on their next grocery order to ease strain as the government prepares to cut off food aid payments.
Instacart said any customer who placed an order in October using a SNAP/EBT card will be eligible for the discount, which will be available even if the government makes the payments as planned on Nov. 1. Instacart said it is also expanding the number of food banks it supports through online food drives from 100 to 300.
DoorDash
DoorDash said it would waive service and delivery fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November. DoorDash said Friday that 25 grocery companies, including Sprouts, Dollar General, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Winn-Dixie, BJ’s Wholesale Club and ShopRite, are partnering with DoorDash to cut those fees.
Ohio officials announce $25M support for SNAP recipients
METRO Regional Transit Authority
METRO Regional Transit Authority will temporarily waive faires on METRO Direct and ADA services for Ohio Direction cardholders starting Nov. 1 and until further notice. Passengers can show their Ohio Direction, SNAP or EBT card, which will allow the cardholder and members of their household to ride free.
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is offering a play event for Cleveland families who receive government assistance like WIC, EBT or SNAP on Nov. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event includes two hours of open play. Registration is required. Click here for more.
Lake County – Laketran
Laketran will provide free rides on all local routes until SNAP benefits are reinstated to ensure residents can continue to access food resources.
According to a press release from Laketran, the local routes connect riders to over 30 food pantries and 11 Fresh Food Produce Distributions planned in November.
Laketran’s Seniors on the GO program, in partnership with the Lake County Board of Commissioners Senior Services, also provides free door-to-door Dial-a-Ride transportation for residents age 60 and older to reach food pantries, grocery stores, senior centers and other essential services. Residents who qualify can schedule rides by calling 440-354-6100.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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