WARREN, Ohio - In Warren, many students depend on district programs that provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which are partially funded by federal dollars.

With the government shutdown now in its 25th day, Superintendent Steve Chiaro is concerned about the possible impact of SNAP cuts on children in the community.

"Where the concern comes in over time is the longevity of the program and the funding if the shutdown continues," Chiaro said.
 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it will not issue benefits on November 1 and will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits if the shutdown continues.

Additionally, states will not be reimbursed if they use their own funds to pay for these benefits, which means that more than a million Ohioans will lose access to critical food assistance.

"If the snap benefits to families and homes are cut in November or reduced-- in the Warren City Schools alone, that impacts over 4,000 children-- and so that's the majority of our population that, in their homes, will have food insecurity," Chiaro said.

In the meantime, Chiaro says the school district is using its local resources, such as the Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way to make sure to make sure no student goes hungry.

"We're already planned and menued all the way to the first of the year. Our food is already coming in and paid for, so hopefully this [shutdown] won't go on for months, but we'll be able to sustain for our children," Chiaro said.