TOLEDO, OH — October 29, 2025 — Local officials, community organizations, and emergency response partners will convene on Friday, October 31, at 10:00 a.m. at the Toledo Seagate Food Bank to address the growing concern surrounding the federal government shutdown and its impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Due to the ongoing shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be distributed during the month of November, leaving tens of thousands of individuals and families across Lucas County temporarily without the benefits they rely on to feed their households.
This press conference will provide clear, factual information to help residents understand what the change means, where they can find help, and how the community is mobilizing to respond.
Speakers will share updates on food distribution efforts, public safety coordination, and eligibility for supportive programs during the SNAP disruption period.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department will emphasize that the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program remains fully operational. WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five and will continue to serve clients throughout the month of November. Health Department staff will be on-site to share information about eligibility and the application process.
The United Way of Greater Toledo will share details about 211, the community’s 24/7 helpline connecting residents to food, shelter, and other essential resources. United Way will also highlight the newly launched United for Food Fund, designed to raise emergency dollars for local food pantries and community feeding programs affected by increased demand during the SNAP funding gap. United Way has created a landing page for food-related information and donations at
unitedwaytoledo.org/food.
To donate to Toledo Seagate Food Bank, please visit
seagatefoodbank.org/donate.
To register for the webinar “Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown: What to Know and How to Help Your Community”, please use this
registration link.
What: Press Conference – Government Shutdown Impact on SNAP Benefits
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Where: Toledo Seagate Food Bank, 526 High Street, Toledo, OH 43609
Who: Representatives from Lucas County, City of Toledo, Toledo Seagate Food Bank, Islamic Food Bank, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Toledo Fire & Rescue, Toledo Police Department, UToledo Health, and United Way of Greater Toledo, as well as a SNAP recipient.
Contact: Erin Tupper, Senior Director of Outreach and Advancement –
erin.tupper@unitedwaytoledo.org
419-254-4785
United Way of Greater Toledo mobilizes communities to expand education, stabilize finances, improve health, and provide housing so that every family can thrive. Through shared funding, expertise, and data, we close gaps and open opportunities throughout Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties.
We unite the power of community to improve lives. United Way of Greater Toledo brings a worldwide network into neighborhoods throughout Northwest Ohio. Proudly serving residents of Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties, since 1918 we have believed that we all benefit from each other’s success. As one of the longest-serving charitable organizations in our region, we are trusted, innovative, collaborative and accountable. Most importantly, your contributions serve neighbors right here at home.
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