CINCINNATI — The first of the month is when federal food assistance money is usually loaded onto Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards. However, on Saturday, millions of people who rely on SNAP benefits saw no funds added due to the ongoing government shutdown.

On Friday, two federal judges ruled the Trump administration must tap into billions of dollars in emergency funds to at least partially cover SNAP benefits in November.

Despite the ruling, millions of recipients will still face delays getting their benefits.

Around 1.4 million Ohioans receive $264 million in SNAP benefits each month. That includes 97,000 Hamilton County residents who rely on SNAP . 45% of residents who receive SNAP are children, according to county officials.

At the Freestore Foodbank Bea Tayl

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