Since the Market is closed for the 2025 season, Community Programs are not currently running through our Market.

However, we wanted to share news from our partner, Ohio Farmers Market Network, who helps administer the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at the state level. Below contains some information about the status for a variety of food assistance programs available in Ohio as of November 1, 2025.

SNAP Benefits to Expire on November 1

What You Should Know About the Expiration of Benefits

“After Congress failed to pass a budget for Fiscal Year 2026 by the September 30 deadline, the federal government officially shut down on October 1, 2025. The shutdown will continue until Congress passes and the President signs funding legislation,” wrote Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.

Here’s what you should know about food assistance and nutrition incentive programming in Ohio:

SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

“Please be advised that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may not receive their November benefits as normally scheduled if the federal government shutdown continues. However, SNAP recipients will be able to use their existing benefits after October 31. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share further information as the federal government provides updates.”
Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not released the funds that states use to pay SNAP (food assistance) benefits.
November SNAP benefits are currently on hold and your usual November benefits may not be available on your EBT card unless federal actions are taken.
State Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus, introduced House Bill 502 earlier this month which would make an appropriation to continue to fund SNAP and some other federal programs if there were to be a lapse in federal funding. Read more here.

Produce Perks

Produce Perks incentives can only be issued as a match when SNAP benefits are redeemed. If a Benefit Recipient does not have SNAP benefits available, they will not be able to receive Produce Perks incentives.

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children

“ODH has secured additional funding to sustain the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) into November. Ohio WIC operations at the local level will be able to continue to provide all services and referrals. At this time, please continue to encourage WIC participants to redeem WIC food benefits as they have always done.”
Ohio has funding to continue the WIC program into November, according to a spokesperson for Ohio’s Department of Health. It did not clarify whether the benefits would be available throughout all of November.
Local WIC clinics are open for WIC services and appointments.

SFMNP – Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Ohio SFMNP is open and operating as usual. All funds have been issued and may be used through November 30, 2025.

If you have any questions about the programs listed above and the impact of the federal government shutdown, please contact the appropriate agency.

SNAP – Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Produce Perks – Produce Perks Midwest
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – Ohio Department of Health

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks is here to help!

“Even amid these challenges, our foodbanks and pantries are committed to remaining safe, welcoming spaces where anyone in need can find help. Should you or someone you know be in need of emergency help, please visit our foodbank map to click on your county and find resources available near you.”