City of Lakewood to Implement SNAP Relief Program

LAKEWOOD, OH – On November 10^th, the City of Lakewood announced a plan to help mitigate the impact of the federal shutdown on Lakewood residents who receive SNAP benefits. The plan includes repurposing existing human services funds to provide direct relief in the form of gift cards for groceries which will help maintain nutrition as well as coordinated efforts with local partners to maximize program impact.

“Lakewood has a significant population of low-income residents who rely on SNAP benefits to meet their basic nutrition needs, including a large percentage of our seniors,” said Lakewood Mayor Meghan F. George. “As the federal shutdown began to drag on, we knew that if SNAP benefits were affected, it would be a major threat to the health and well-being of those residents. With that in mind, our Human Services Department began exploring a plan to help lessen the strain on those in need. A big thank you goes out to the Healthy Lakewood Foundation for providing a meaningful financial contribution to support this effort and to the Lakewood Community Services Center for assistance with program implementation. The Foundation and LCSC have allowed us to leverage the City dollars we are dedicating for an even greater impact.”

The City’s plan includes:

1. Direct Assistance ($50 Aldi Gift Cards): The Department of Human Services is coordinating the distribution of $50 Aldi gift cards to Lakewood residents currently receiving SNAP benefits. Working through established community partnerships, this effort will provide support to more than 1,000 Lakewood households. A limited number of cards will also be made available at the Cove Community Center on a first-come basis for eligible residents. Distribution will begin the week of November 17, with additional details to be shared in advance.
2. Community Fundraising (The Lakewood Foundation): The City is partnering with The Lakewood Foundation to accept donations from the public that will be used for additional direct relief to SNAP recipients during the shutdown. Those interested in contributing can connect to the Foundation via the donation page on their website: https://www.thelakewoodfoundation.org/donate

3. Citywide Food and Goods Drive: The City is setting up collection bins at the Police Department, Cove Community Center, and all Lakewood Fire Stations to collect tangible goods to be distributed to SNAP beneficiaries. Requested items include: Cereals, canned soups, and “meal in a can” options (chili, ravioli, beef stew), Ensure/Boost, canned or dried fruits, snack items, and foil-pack proteins such as tuna or chicken. Non-food, personal care products (toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, diapers, etc.) are also welcome. Cove Community Center will also have a donation box on site for new winter coats, hats, and gloves. Those interested in donating items through an Amazon wish list can do so by visiting the following link: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2VKK47IE0X6D3

4. Cove Center Monthly Community Meals: The City of Lakewood will begin hosting an ongoing once-a-month community meal at the Human Services building at Cove Community Center with expected capacity to feed in excess of 150 Lakewood residents. The first community meal will take place on Wednesday, December 3^rd at 5:30pm at Cove Community Center. There will also be a drive-through option for those wishing to pick up a meal.

Lakewood Human Services Director Chad Berry explained that the department, together with community partners and staff, has worked thoughtfully to reach as many Lakewood residents receiving SNAP as possible. The City has set up a webpage that explains all the SNAP Relief Program details. It can be accessed by visiting www.lakewoodoh.gov/snap-relief-program.

Those wishing to speak directly to the Human Services Department about the program can call: 216.529.5062 or email at humanservices@lakewoodoh.gov.