SNAP Cuts: Cincinnati Food Banks Face Record Demand

Freestore Foodbank is operating at maximum capacity as demand for food assistance surges following federal adjustments to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Volunteers at the Cincinnati organization are working continuously to distribute supplies during the seasonal peak, a period already identified as the busiest time of year for local food security efforts.

Kreg Keesee, president and CEO of Freestore Foodbank, attributed the increased strain to a series of legislative changes, specifically citing HR1 and the Big Beautiful Bill. He stated that these measures result in reduced government assistance, forcing individuals to seek support from local resources. Officials at the food bank expressed concern that the pressure on local systems could intensify, potentially forcing residents to prioritize one necessity over another.

Keesee explained that financial constraints often dictate where households allocate their funds. “So, all these things make people make choices about where they’re spending their money, so oftentimes one of the choices they make is about paying rent. Am I paying for utilities? So, if we can help them offset some of those costs by getting them food that they need, that really helps, too. But that means the demand’s gonna go up.”

To manage the higher volume of requests, Freestore Foodbank is expanding its sourcing efforts. The organization is working to secure additional food supplies, engage with new donors, and organize additional fundraising events to cover operational costs.

A major fundraising event, Double Your Dollars Day, is scheduled for Thursday. During this campaign, donors will match contributions up to a cap of $200,000. The structure of the match means that for every dollar given, a donor contributes an additional dollar, effectively doubling the impact of individual gifts.