SNAP recipients down in Medina County compared to last year

MEDINA — The number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Medina County decreased from around 9,500 this time last year to about 8,900 currently, according to Medina County Job and Family Services. Job and Family Services Director Debbie Kiley provided a department update during the Medina County commissioners' meeting Tuesday. "It's certainly part of a larger trend," she said. "Counties across the state are reporting a decrease in recipients. Most saw the largest decrease after (the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act) was passed, implementing several administrative changes." Yet, it is hard to definitively say why the decreases are occurring, Kiley said. There is not a good reporting mechanism to ask people why they left the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Did they leave the program because of new rules (and) regulations, but they remain food insecure? Or did they reach a level of employment that they no longer need the program?" she said. "The unemployment rate is low, 2.5 percent, (which is) below the state's rate of 3.9 percent, so this could be an indicator of our decrease in SNAP recipients." There are currently around 76 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients, which fluctuates every month, Kiley said. More than $20,000 was issued in April 2026. "The (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) population is pretty diverse," she said. "Not only is it for traditional one- (or) two-parent families, relatives by blood, adoption or marriage, but it can also apply if they're providing care to a minor child. If that child returns to their bio-parents, then that (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefit will close." The SUN BUCKS program is also running again this year for school-aged children who are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program to help feed them throughout the summer, Kiley said. Each child in the home is eligible for $120 to be used on food during the summer months. "Families don't have to apply," she said. "The schools are actually sending that information about those who are eligible for free and reduced lunch. They send that to the issuance of the (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card, and those cards will come either in the child's name or show up on the family's actual (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit card." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.