COLUMBUS — Changes to the way the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is funded will take effect in Ohio beginning in October, increasing the share of administrative costs paid by the state and county governments.

Beginning Oct. 1, the federal government’s contribution toward SNAP administrative expenses will decrease from 50% to 25%, leaving Ohio and its counties responsible for the remaining 75%. The change stems from the federal budget and tax legislation signed into law in 2025.

SNAP, formerly commonly known as food stamps, provides assistance to qualifying low-income households to purchase groceries. While SNAP benefits themselves have historically been primarily federally funded, administrative expenses have been shared between federal, state and local governments.

The new funding formula is expected to create a significant additional expense for Ohio. State estimates have indicated Ohio and its county governments could face more than $50 million in additional SNAP administrative expenses as the federal government’s share declines. Earlier this year, state lawmakers considered funding to help cover the state’s increased costs as well as a portion of the additional expenses facing counties.

The administrative funding change is only one of several modifications to SNAP resulting from the federal legislation. Other provisions have changed eligibility requirements for some recipients, including work requirements and rules governing which noncitizens may qualify for assistance. Additional changes affecting how states share the cost of SNAP benefits are scheduled to begin in October 2027.

Under the 2027 provisions, states with SNAP payment error rates above certain thresholds will be required to contribute toward the actual cost of food benefits. The amount a state must pay will depend on its payment error rate.

The changes have raised concerns among food banks and other organizations that serve families experiencing food insecurity. WLWT reports that Ohio food pantries are preparing for the possibility of increased demand as the changes are implemented.

For individual SNAP recipients, the October administrative funding change does not by itself mean that everyone’s monthly food assistance will automatically be reduced. Eligibility and benefit amounts continue to depend on household circumstances and applicable federal and state rules.

Ohio also updates SNAP income eligibility standards annually on Oct. 1. Households receiving assistance should pay attention to notices from their county Department of Job and Family Services concerning any changes affecting their individual cases.

The larger impact of the federal changes will continue to develop over the next year as Ohio and its 88 counties adjust to paying a greater portion of the program’s administrative expenses and prepare for additional federal SNAP provisions scheduled to take effect in 2027.