What does the federal government shutdown mean for OCS?

The federal government shutdown has halted SNAP benefits for November and stopped paychecks for federal employees. What does that mean for OCS? First, it doesn't mean we'll run out of food! Our board has invested funds for just such a crisis and is committed to making sure neighbors in need have enough to eat. Staff are working hard to keep food flowing into our warehouse. Second Harvest Food Bank is doing an outstanding job getting food to OCS and other pantries across the region. Warm-hearted folks are donating money, food, and hygiene supplies. Thank you!

Second, more people are seeking help. A couple of years ago, OCS was getting food to about 300 families each week. Then we moved to the Cooper Center and our capacity increased dramatically... serving 350 families each week became the standard. For the past couple of months, that number has been staying consistently around the 400 mark.

Neighbors coming to get food have expressed real worry about losing SNAP benefits (food stamps) for November. They've speculated about how long the federal shutdown will last and the toll it will take on their families. They've made it clear that OCS is absolutely vital to their well-being. "Without OCS, I wouldn't be able to eat every day," one senior said. A lot of first-time visitors in the past couple of weeks have been seniors on fixed incomes; many have been embarrassed that they need help but said they have run out of food and money. A big part of our job is reinforcing their morale, assuring them that it's OK to accept help and that we're here for them, no judgement.

Third, people who don't have enough money will be faced with choices about whether to afford food or pay rent; to afford food or keep the lights and heat on; to afford food or buy medicine. We anticipate calls from neighbors in Oberlin, Wellington, LaGrange, Kipton, and surrounding townships to increase as people juggle these needs, and Client Services Coordinator Kathy Burns will use every resource at her disposal to help.

Fourth, it is likely that the effects of the shutdown will be felt long after it ends. Second Harvest, which provided roughly 464,000 pounds of food to OCS last year, gets about a quarter of its stock from federal programs. It's not able to place new orders until the government reopens. Because orders are placed far in advance, we are likely to see those effects in Q1 of 2026. (In the meantime, the Second Harvest board has voted to tap $500,000 in emergency funds to buy about 600,000 pounds of food, enough to get through the end of the year.)

Finally, you can make a BIG difference. Your support is more important now than ever. Please give generously to OCS and our partners at Second Harvest. Every penny helps us meet basic needs of people in our communities. Thank you!