The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger, is home to The Ohio Benefit Bank,* a program that helps moderate- and low-income Ohioans apply for work supports, income enhancements and assistance programs. Through The Ohio Benefit Bank, Ohioans are able to electronically complete and submit applications for such programs as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, healthcare coverage through Medicaid, free tax filing, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, childcare subsidies and so much more.

In June 2011, The Ohio Benefit Bank network hit a historical milestone, helping Ohioans gain access to programs with the potential value of more than $500 million. To showcase the true transforming power of The Ohio Benefit Bank, a video was created telling the history and transforming power of The Ohio Benefit Bank.

Two clients are showcased in the video; Anna Kegg, a mother who lost her house due to a devastating fire and subsequently her employment as a result of other instabilities, and Joe Fabiano, a father of two who through the help of The Ohio Benefit Bank was able to receive a heart transplant in his dire time of need.

When Anna was faced with losing her home due to a fire, an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor was able to walk her through the application process to receive SNAP and Medicaid coverage in her family’s time of need.

Joe, who had just lost his job of more than 20 years, was helped by an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor at a local food pantry. This counselor was able to help him complete an application for SNAP and Medicaid, and complete his interview process for both programs to get coverage for him and his two daughters.

*The Ohio Benefit Bank is funded through three federal government streams: The TANF block grant, USDA SNAP Outreach Plan and funding from the Corporation for National and Community Services, which provides funds that enable OASHF to administer both AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA programs. The program is also funded through State of Ohio General Revenue Funds. Along with these public dollars, funding for The Ohio Benefit Bank also comes from foundation and private dollars.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• College Board Trends in Pricing
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2009 through 2010, table C23008
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2007 through 2008.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2009 through 2010.
• Food Research and Action Center.