The recent government shutdown magnified and exacerbated a sobering reality: a growing number of Ohio adults and children are going hungry.
The problem pre-dates the shutdown, and won’t be solved by simply turning SNAP benefits back on.
The issues are greater than providing the next meal. It’s the cost of childcare. It’s the rising price tag for health care, along with the uncertain future of federal programs with a long history of trying and not always succeeding in helping those in need.
During the shutdown, central Ohio food banks, community groups and Go Fund Me efforts rushed to fill the gap, but it’s a temporary fix, not a sustainable solution.
Where do we go from here?
We're discussing possible hunger solutions on this hour of All Sides.
Guests:
- Matthew Damschroder, director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Joshua Goodwin, attorney, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
- Joree Novotny, executive director, Ohio Association of Food Banks
- Matthew Goldstein, founder/CEO of the non-profit Besa
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