“As stated in our lapse of appropriation correspondence dated Oct. 1, 2025, SNAP has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October,” reads a letter dated Oct. 10 from Ronald Ward, acting associate administrator of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “However, if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.”

We know that last year there were approximately 1.4 million Ohioans receiving SNAP benefits. A significant number of those are children.

Vulnerable families are about to have to make even more difficult decisions than usual — and to be clear, this will affect Buckeye State residents of all ages. Food banks are already feeling the pinch after reductions in their own funding; so, traditional safety nets may not be the answer this time around, either.

Why? Because lawmakers are willing to sacrifice these folks rather than compromise. Because they believe voters will not notice where their loyalties really lie.

State lawmakers could find opportunities to step in and try to fill some of the gaps, but that can’t be the whole of the response. It is time for someone in Washington to decide this game of chicken must end. It is time for someone to have the guts to stand up for them, to be willing to work toward a solution rather than hide behind dangerous party politics.

Who will it be?