Since the beginning of the pandemic, foodbanks across Ohio have provided a vital service to provide food to families in need. Ohio's agricultural producers have played an important role by regularly contributing the most needed protein products to Ohio's foodbanks. However, the need for these important services has persisted over the past few months due to the effects of inflation on the prices of household food staples like protein, dairy, and poultry products, as well as rent and gasoline. Rising costs for these items are making it more difficult for more Ohioans to afford the food they need for their families, and many are turning to foodbanks to fill this need.
This request will allow the Department of Job and Family Services to provide $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars to address this need by allowing the agency to work with Ohio-based producers and processors to purchase, transport, store, and distribute livestock, dairy, and poultry protein products. This funding would be administered through thirteen regional foodbanks with each entity identifying, purchasing, and procuring products based on local needs and availability of protein products.