Just a Bite

Ohio Association of Foodbanks
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Looking to learn more about the intersections between public policy, programs, and people living at or near the poverty level? Join the Ohio Association of Foodbanks external affairs team to hear about issues and topics impacting the Ohioans we serve and how you can help! Just a Bite brings you timely conversations, analysis, and insight in bite-size episodes, plus action steps you can take. Subscribe now to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload every other week!

  1. Stolen at the Checkout: A SNAP Skimming Story

    JAN 27

    Stolen at the Checkout: A SNAP Skimming Story

    In this month’s episode, we dive into the crime that has been hitting SNAP recipients heavily: SNAP Skimming. In recent years, hundreds of thousands of SNAP recipients have had their benefits stolen off their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card through skimming devices that have been placed at retail grocery stores around the country. In this episode, originally recorded in February 2025, we sit down with SNAP Skimming victim, Maura, to uncover the struggles and hardship that she, along with thousands of other SNAP households have experienced because of SNAP benefit theft. Between June 2023 and December 2024, about 30,000 Ohio households have had upwards of $13 million dollars of SNAP benefits stolen. Up until December 2024, SNAP recipients who were skimmed of their benefits were able to apply for reimbursement through their local or state agency. However, Congress did not extend the authorization to replace these stolen benefits in the December 2024 Continuing Resolution (H.R. 10545), leaving households without their benefits and no avenue to receiving reimbursement. SNAP skimming continues to rise throughout the State of Ohio, and the country, putting greater pressure on strained call centers, Ohio’s Legal Aid offices, and Ohio foodbanks, all while eroding consumer trust in the nation’s first line of defense against hunger. Resources: If you are a SNAP participant, please follow these tips to better protect your benefits from theft: - Manage your benefits by downloading the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet. Through the App’s card lock features, users can enable a feature that requires the user to unlock their EBT prior to making any purchases, including in-state - Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess. - Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit. - Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers. - Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices. - When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN. - Notify store staff if you notice anything suspicious with the card reader. To learn more about SNAP, check out our other episodes in the show notes: SNAP Benefits Reaching into our State Correctional Facilities: https://episodes.castos.com/611feec70cdf90-07541105/1637899/c1e-9q31paozpg7s076p8-498m1m2kh83d-ielfts.mp3 Ohioans on SNAP share their stories: https://episodes.castos.com/611feec70cdf90-07541105/1470113/JAB-Ep-41-SNAP-FINAL.mp3 SNAP Outreach: Thoughts from the field: https://episodes.castos.com/611feec70cdf90-07541105/30703/9156ed69-ac52-433c-8604-3221354d5818/JAB-EP-15.mp3 If you need assistance accessing food, Ohio foodbanks are here to help. To find out what foodbank serves your county, please visit ohiofoodbanks.org/foodbanks. To take action against SNAP benefit theft, please contact your member of Congress, especially if you have been a victim of skimming, to share your story and how it has impacted you, your family, and your financial situation. Citations: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/10545/text

    16 min
  2. Sunsetting SNAP-Ed – What’s Next

    12/15/2025

    Sunsetting SNAP-Ed – What’s Next

    On July 4th, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as HR1, which changed many aspects of nutrition programming in the United States. Among the multitude of provisions included in HR1 was the effective termination of all required funding for SNAP-Ed past September 30th, 2025. SNAP-Ed, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, was a federally funded program that supported nutrition education and policy, systems, and environment changes in low-income communities. The removal of funding for SNAP-Ed will significantly impact low-income communities across the country and only widen healthcare disparities through the removal of vital nutrition education.   We sat down with former SNAP-Ed staff members, Ana Claudia Zubieta, Pat Bebo, Mona Lisa Hoffman, and Marsha McCormick to hear about the incredible work SNAP-Ed has done throughout Ohio communities over the past 3 decades, and what the removal of funding for this program means for vulnerable Ohioans.     References:  For more information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, visit https://benefits.ohio.gov/home/resources/assistance-programs/01-snap.   Applying for SNAP is often a long and confusing process. But our network of application assisters are here to help! Visit www.ohiofoodbanks.org/get-help/apply-for-snap/ to get in contact with an application assister near you!   You can find recipes from Celebrate Your Plate by visiting www.celebrateyourplate.org/.   You can also find us on Instagram @celebrateyourplate, or by visiting https://www.instagram.com/celebrateyourplate/ , and on Pinterest @celebrateyourplate, or by visiting www.pinterest.com/celebrateyourplate/.   For more information regarding the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, visit fcs.osu.edu/programs/nutrition/efnep. Visit today to find out if you are eligible, and where to find your nearest nutrition education program!   You are likely eligible for WIC if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman; a woman who recently had a baby; are the parent of an infant’s birth through 12 months, or the parent of a child age 1 to 5 years; who are:  Determined by health professionals to be at medical/nutritional risk.  Meets income guidelines - 185% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.  Visit https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/women-infants-children for more information, and to find out if you are eligible!   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!        Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take  our latest hunger-fighting actions!             Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need and to pursue areas of common interest for the benefit of people in need.

    47 min
  3. OAF is thankful!

    12/02/2025

    OAF is thankful!

    In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re kicking off the holiday season with a warm and joyful episode that celebrates gratitude, traditions, and all the delicious moments that make this time of year so special. This month we bring you a heartwarming look inside our office as staff members answer some fun and thoughtful Thanksgiving-inspired questions. From favorite to cherished memories to meaningful traditions, this episode is all about reflecting on what brings us together both around the table and within our community. You’ll hear stories that spark nostalgia, laughter, and maybe even a bit of hunger as we dive into everyone’s must-have holiday foods. Whether you're gearing up for your own celebration or just looking to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, this episode is sure to bring warmth to your day and remind you of the small joys that make this season meaningful. Hit play and join us in celebrating gratitude, togetherness, and the traditions that make Thanksgiving unforgettable.  Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!        Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take  our latest hunger-fighting actions!             Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need and to pursue areas of common interest for the benefit of people in need.

    29 min
  4. From Field to Fork with Michael Farms

    10/15/2025

    From Field to Fork with Michael Farms

    In celebration of National Farmers Day on October 12th, we’re shining a spotlight on the hardworking individuals who are the backbone of our food system. In this special episode external affairs intern Lily Stenroos and external affairs manager Sarah Kuhns sit down with Alex Bieri from Michael Farms, a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and a dedicated voice in the farming community. Farming isn’t just about planting seeds, it’s about feeding communities, preserving the land, and carrying on traditions that shape our way of life. Alex shares the importance of midsized farm production and the process of getting fresh produce to stores like Kroger and Meijer. Whether you come from a farming background or just want to better understand where your food comes from, this heartfelt conversation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the people behind the produce.  Don’t miss this powerful episode! Hit play and celebrate the farmers who nourish us all.  References:   For more information on Michael Farms, click here. For Farm Market location click here. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM during the farm season.    Other helpful resources:   Ohio Farm Bureau Federation: https://ofbf.org  Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA): https://agri.ohio.gov   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!        Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take  our latest hunger-fighting actions!             Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need and to pursue areas of common interest for the benefit of people in need.

    47 min
  5. Hunger Action Day Conversation: The Future of SNAP, Medicaid, and Ohio Families

    09/09/2025

    Hunger Action Day Conversation: The Future of SNAP, Medicaid, and Ohio Families

    This Hunger Action Day, Director of Nutrition Policy and Programs at the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, Hope Lane-Gavin, sits down with Executive Director, Joree Novotny, to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (also referred to as HR 1 or Budget Reconciliation), and the expected impacts it will have on people facing hunger in the State of Ohio. HR1 was signed into law on July 4th, 2025, and includes many provisions that will impact those who rely on our network, and those who rely on public benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. In a time when the cost of living continues to rise, and more people are turning to public assistance to make ends meet, HR1 introduces a dangerous new territory for public benefits across the country. Listen to hear more about how the ‘cost-savings’ approved in HR1 are expected to impact the real lives of Ohioans facing hunger.     References:   More than 130,000 Ohio households to see an $1,150 annual reduction in SNAP benefits, and rural counties are hit the hardest.    SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare in the federal reconciliation bill  Food, housing, and healthcare costs are sources of major stress for many people - AP-NORC   Why do grocery prices continue to rise?    Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!        Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take our latest hunger-fighting actions!       Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger, and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need and to pursue areas of common interest for the benefit of people in need.

    24 min
  6. Hunger Relief in Ohio’s 2026–27 Budget

    08/25/2025

    Hunger Relief in Ohio’s 2026–27 Budget

    Welcome back to Just a Bite! After a few months away, we are diving back in with a discussion with Ohio Association of Foodbanks Executive Director, Joree Novotny, to discuss the 2026-2027 Ohio State Biennium Operating Budget, and its impacts on our hunger relief network, and food insecure Ohioans. We are grateful to Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Tressel and the Ohio General Assembly for their continued commitment to Ohio’s hunger relief network in the biennial state budget.   In the 2026-2027 biennial budget, our food bank network received a total of $24.55 million, which is $7.3 million less than the previous budget, returning the states biennial budget back pre-Covid funding levels. Although funding levels for hunger relief in the state of Ohio have returned to pre-covid levels, our network continues to see record breaking visits to our food banks each quarter. With fewer resources to feed our neighbors, and inflation continuing to rise, our capacity is stretching even thinner. Tune in to hear how this state budget is expected to impact on our network, our food programs, and our neighbors.     References:   Ohio Association of Foodbanks Statement on the Passage of Sub H.B. 96 - July 1, 2025  Ohio Association of Foodbanks - 2024 Annual Report – see page 7 for a breakdown of food sources, as distributed.   As of July 1, 2025, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks no longer retains dollars and food from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) or the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA).   Learn more about the Ohio Food Program and Agricultural Clerance Program!  Food Inflation in the United States - U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics  For more information on the demand facing Ohio’s foodbanks, visit The Ohio Capital Journal      Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!          Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take our latest hunger-fighting actions!             Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in ne...

    30 min
  7. Friends of Foodbanks Lobby Day - February 12, 2025

    02/19/2025

    Friends of Foodbanks Lobby Day - February 12, 2025

    Thank you for tuning in to this special episode of Just a Bite, featuring live audio from Friends of the Foodbanks Lobby Day on February 12, 2025. Our foodbank network and advocates met with Ohio’s 136th General Assembly to urge $50 million per year in state funding for the Ohio Agricultural Clearance Program (ACP) and Ohio Food Program (OFP)—essential resources that help foodbanks provide fresh, nutritious food to communities across the state.  Despite record levels of need, state funding for these programs were cut by $7.5 million per year in Governor DeWine’s executive budget, reducing total funding to $24.55 million annually. We are calling on lawmakers to restore these cuts and increase funding to meet the growing demand.  A special thank you to our luncheon panelists for sharing their invaluable insights on the connection between food access, agriculture, and community resilience:  Pastor Susan Roark, Faith Fellowship  Manoj Kumar, Sherwin-Williams  Alex Buck, Fresh Forward Farms & Fruit Growers Marketing Association  Pete Dorley, Keystone Meats  Moderator: Joree Novotny, Ohio Association of Foodbanks  Please note that the audio isn’t ideal. We appreciate your understanding of this special episode and thank you for listening.    References:   Read recent news coverage on what these budget cuts mean for Ohio’s foodbanks.  Ohio foodbanks face funding cuts in proposed state budget  OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty DeWine budget cuts / Public News Service  Food Banks in Ohio are raising the alarm about funding Learn more about our request here: Our Statewide Request for Hunger Relief Funding in the 2026-27 State Biennial Budget - Ohio Association of Foodbanks  Watch the full video referred to in the episode here: Friends of Foodbanks State Lobby Day Video 2025    Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!        Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, and take our latest hunger-fighting actions!   Ohio Association of Foodbanks is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization without party affiliation or bias. We are Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger and our mission is to assist Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks in providing food and other resources to people in need and to pursue areas of common interest for the benefit of people in need.

    42 min
  8. Prescriptions for Progress: Food, Health, and Healing Appalachia

    01/09/2025

    Prescriptions for Progress: Food, Health, and Healing Appalachia

    As we wrap up 2024, we focus on a topic that has transcended the emergency food assistance network over the past decade; Food is Medicine and Healthcare Partnerships. On April 9th, 2024, Ohio’s Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) announced the launch of a collaborative initiative designed to build healthier communities and reduce inequities throughout the state of Ohio. This collaboration stems from the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Next Generation of Medicaid Managed Care program, to focus on the individual rather than on the business of managed care. We sat down with Angela Weaver, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Ohio Association of Health Plans, and Taylor Major-Dame, Food Access and Workforce Development Coordinator at Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) to discuss their recent partnership on the HAPCAP for Health Market, located in Logan, Ohio. The Ohio Association of Health Plans recently made a community reinvestment to the HAPCAP for Health Market, to support choice and healthy eating in Southeast Ohio. Appalachian communities often suffer from food insecurity, lack of transportation, and lack of food access at astoundingly high rates. This episode will explore the depths and reasoning behind this partnership, and the goals of this community reinvestment from the Ohio Association of Health Plans, in addition to a discussion on some of the underlying social determinants of health (SDOH) facing neighbors across the state of Ohio.     References:   Learn more about the Partnership between the Ohio Association of Health Plans and HAPCAP: HAPCAP for Health Market, funded in part through Ohio’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations Community Reinvestment Fund   Other services through HAPCAP   Southeast Ohio Foodbank  Transportation Services  Career Services and Workforce Development   If you are unable to pick up food for your household, you may assign a proxy. What is a proxy shopper? For instructions on how to assign a proxy or any other questions, contact Southeast Ohio Foodbank at (740) 385-6813 ext. 2207.   To learn more about the Food is Medicine Programs offered at all 12 of Ohio’s Feeding America member foodbanks, visit ohiofoodbanks.org/hungerandhealth/  Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and subscribe to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload them every other week!          Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook, X, and

    43 min
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About

Looking to learn more about the intersections between public policy, programs, and people living at or near the poverty level? Join the Ohio Association of Foodbanks external affairs team to hear about issues and topics impacting the Ohioans we serve and how you can help! Just a Bite brings you timely conversations, analysis, and insight in bite-size episodes, plus action steps you can take. Subscribe now to get episodes in your podcast feed as soon as we upload every other week!

Information

  • Creator
    Ohio Association of Foodbanks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Just a Bite