02/29/2024

SNAP for Older Adults Benefit Introduced

On Friday, February 16, the Ohio Association of Food Banks (OAFB) announced that Representatives Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) and Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) introduced the state-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) premium benefit of $50 for older adults as stand-alone legislation. 

Representative Troy stated; “Since the termination of the public health emergency, over 70,000 older Ohioan households have seen their monthly benefit reduced to $23 a month after receiving substantially more for the last 3 years. This legislation would increase that minimum benefit to $50 per month with a state funded supplement.”  

Director, Nutrition Policy and Program with OAFB, Hope A. Lane-Gavin has been taking part in a national working group on the effort and noted that they are very prepared to get this benefit over the line with strong bipartisan support.

The proposal was initially circulated as an amendment to HB33 during the SFY 2024-2025 biennial budget process, but failed to gain traction in either chamber. LeadingAge Ohio previously signed its support of the measure, along with the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a). To review the bill, click here.