November 7, 2025
As the government shutdown has entered its second month, we are starting to see its direct impact in our own community. Earlier this week, I was invited to a meeting at the Worthington Resource Pantry with fellow clergy and community leaders to understand the shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits. Those who earn at or below 130% of the federal poverty line are eligible for SNAP benefits. However, due to the shutdown, they did not receive those benefits on November 1. The federal government tapped into an emergency fund to allocate benefits, but at most, people will only receive half of the funds they typically receive each month, and it is unclear when those funds will be released. Additionally, the State of Ohio and Columbus City allocated emergency funds, but those funds are limited to people earning only 50% below the federal poverty line. The government shutdown also makes it impossible for any new registrants to enter the program. The Worthington Resource Pantry is able to serve people earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty line.
On Monday, the Worthington Resource Pantry served 232 families. Their previous daily high was 205. They served 27 new families. Many TSA and FAA employees were among the newly served as they continue to work without pay. As the shutdown goes on, there will be further demands and strains placed on local resource pantries. The Worthington Resource Pantry currently has the capacity to serve the increased demands. However, they have authorized emergency funds to spend on dry goods. The Resource Pantry is hoping to stay ahead of the curve. For example, they receive fresh fruit from the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, but since the food bank receives food from the USDA, that will end this month as USDA workers are not working due to lack of pay from the shutdown. Donations will enable them to provide the fresh fruit and other items they need.
Jewish tradition is guided by several sources when it comes to responding to hunger. Practically speaking, we might turn to Maimonides compendium of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah offers a collection of laws entitled “Gifts to the Poor”. Chapter 9 begins with a law requiring every community to appoint righteous individuals to a committee who will circulate among the neighbors each week to collect tzedakah. That tzedakah is placed in what is called a kupah, and then is distributed to the poor, providing food for seven days. Maimonides adds, “we have never seen or heard of a community that does not have a kupah for tzedakah.” This universal communal characteristic directs our concern to the dignity of every neighbor in our community and reminds us that we all play a role in ensuring no one goes hungry.
Here is how you can help right now:
1. Consider making a monetary donation directly to the Worthington Resource Pantry. This is the best way to help because the Pantry has purchasing power and can best use financial resources.
2. Consider purchasing and donating items from their needed item list. This list reflects items that they would buy at the same price as we would in the store. Please deliver these items directly to the Worthington Resource Pantry, not Beth Tikvah.
3. Consider purchasing/donating items from their Amazon Wish List. These items will be delivered directly to the Pantry.
Of course, we are a geographically diverse community. If you prefer to donate to a pantry in Dublin, Hilliard, Delaware County, or wherever you live, they will be incredibly grateful for the support. The Worthington Resource Pantry is the largest Pantry in the area because they serve people living in the following zip codes: 43016, 43035, 43065, 43081, 43085, 43229, 43235, 43240.
Below is the data for local SNAP recipients, many of whom are children and elderly:
As the shutdown drags on, demand will increase. When it comes to an end, neighbors will still face a lack of resources to keep food on the table and conditions will only improve slightly.
If you can help, please consider donating. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Rabbi Martin. We are here to support you in these challenging times.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rick Kellner