A banner reads: "EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Accepted Here," at El Recuerdo Market in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, after two federal judges ordered President Donald Trump's administration to continue funding SNAP during the government shutdown. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Food assistance providers across the Mid-Ohio Valley are reporting sharp increases in demand as federal food benefits face disruption during the ongoing government shutdown, leaving families uncertain when — or how much — aid will arrive.

The Trump administration said Monday it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after two federal rulings, but officials have not clarified how much aid recipients will receive or when benefits will be restored to their EBT cards. Local food service providers say families are already feeling the strain.

At House to Home in Parkersburg, a day shelter that offers meals, showers, laundry services and support programs, Executive Director Steve Belisky said the number of people stopping in simply to access food has grown.

“We have seen an increase of individuals coming in and needing to eat,” Belisky said. “We unfortunately do not have a food pantry. However, we have put the food pantry list out to everyone that needs it.”

To help bridge the gap, House to Home is now receiving a limited allotment of prepared meals from Old Man Rivers Mission and has increased distribution of “river bags” — shelf-stable food bags with soup, meat and other items to help clients through weekends.

Infant formula cans eligible for WIC and advertised as purchasable with EBT funds (Electronic Benefit Transfer) are sold at a market in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, after two federal judges ordered President Donald Trump's administration to continue funding SNAP during the government shutdown. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

“We get those out on Fridays so people can make it through the weekend,” Belisky said. “We have definitely seen a huge number of people needing more services.”

The center serves breakfast each day and offers lunch, snacks and fruit throughout operating hours. Donations of food and clothing may be dropped off weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and monetary donations are accepted online. Those needing donation pickup can call 304-893-5353.

Across the river, demand is also rising at the Salvation Army of Marietta. Maj. Rose Marie Hughes said pantry visits have doubled.

“I usually do 40 a month, and I’ve done 80,” Hughes said. “We’ve had a lot of people coming in and asking for clothes.”

Meat continues to be the pantry’s most urgent need as supplies are turning over quickly.

“My freezer was all the way full on Tuesday, and it’s barely — I can see the bottom,” she said.

Donations can be delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, and potential volunteers may call the office to learn more.

In Belpre, Belpre Area Ministries President Lisa Stone said she did not see an immediate surge when the pantry opened after the first weekend without SNAP benefits, though it may be a matter of timing.

“It’s usually slow around the first of the month,” Stone said.

Still, she noted an uptick in calls and expects to see more new visitors as the month progresses.

Some clients are already receiving notices about delayed or reduced benefits. Stone said one woman told her she would get benefits Nov. 14 but that it “may not be the same amount.”

“That gives them some comfort to know they have something coming,” Stone said. “But it may still not be enough.”

One first-time visitor, Stone said, came seeking help because she and her husband — both employed — recently saw their rent increase by $200 a month.

“Rent is unusually high right now,” Stone said. “And that might cause an uptick in people we see.”

She said the community has responded and that the pantry has seen more donations.

“People think this is a good way to help and we appreciate their support,” Stone said. “We’ve been here doing this for 30 years, we’ll make it through.”

As concerns mount statewide, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2025-06D on Wednesday to provide temporary food assistance to residents who may lose access to federal SNAP funds if the shutdown continues. The emergency order authorizes up to $25 million in aid — including $7 million to food banks and $18 million in direct emergency benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans, including more than 57,000 children living below 50 percent of the federal poverty level.

In West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has directed the National Guard to assist food distribution sites through “Operation Feeding Families,” helping receive and package food, manage traffic, support transportation and ensure orderly distribution. Several food distribution events over the weekend and Monday ended early due to demand.

In Roane County, 250 food packages were allotted, but supplies were exhausted within an hour. Similar shortages were reported in Lewis and Wetzel counties, with efforts underway to coordinate additional distributions.

The Buckeye Hills Regional Council issued a regional alert warning that SNAP benefits may be delayed or unavailable if the shutdown persists. The organization maintains a directory of meal programs, senior centers and pantries in Southeast Ohio and helps residents access assistance.

Residents seeking food support may visit:

– Buckeye Hills food provider directory: buckeyehills.org

– Ohio Job and Family Services agency directory: jfs.ohio.gov

– Community Action Agency locator: oacaa.org

– Southeast Ohio Foodbank: hapcap.org/seofb

– Information about distributions is available by calling 2-1-1 or going to wv211.org for food assistance and local pantry information.