This autumn there was a chaotic federal government shutdown that mostly resulted from a dispute over benefits for lower income families. It is odd how Congress can largely ignore 90% of the bloated budget and then give us only minor tax savings by focusing on assistance to the working poor who play a vital role in the U.S. economy. If we look at Summit County we see that the people near the poverty line are valuable members of the workforce. SNAP food benefits and reduced cost health insurance can make the difference between someone continuing to work at our local businesses or having to move to a more affordable community.

For many years, Summit County charities have stepped up to support our local workers. For example, Family Intercultural Resource Center averages a total of 670 households picking up free groceries each week from the food pantries in Dillon and Breckenridge. Each week, Smart Bellies delivers 600 produce bags and 1,250 kids snack bags to area families. Free meals are provided by churches and charities to help those who live paycheck to paycheck — see the FIRC website for a list of these charities.

There is an unfortunate stereotype of people receiving aid from the government or charities characterizing them as lazy “welfare queens.” A 2020 study by the General Accounting Office found that 51% of U.S. adult SNAP recipients worked at least 35 hours per week during 2018. Brianne Snow, executive director of FIRC, reports that 91% of households receiving FIRC groceries have at least one person who is employed. With Summit County’s pricey rent, no one moves here to receive free food. They are here to work. We should be grateful they are part of our community and contributing to our economy and our quality of life. 

Because the income restrictions for receiving SNAP benefits are designed for less affluent counties, most of the households receiving food from Summit County charities do not qualify for SNAP. They have too much income under SNAP rules but might still be barely able to make rent payments. Only about 15% of households in the Smart Bellies food program receive SNAP benefits. Summit County government administers SNAP for the state and there were 711 local households receiving SNAP as of October. This consisted of 1,414 individuals, 506 of which were children or over age 60.

NPR reports that food prices have increased by 29% since 2020, making it tougher for low-wage workers to make ends meet and also hindering the effectiveness of local charities. Desperate families may choose to buy junk food with their limited dollars but FIRC is working to counter this by emphasizing fresh food such as oranges, apples, potatoes, milk, eggs and broccoli. This encourages healthy meals while freeing up more household income to cover rent. FIRC pantry staff are always looking for discounts from wholesalers to stretch their budget.

The USDA reports that in 2023, 17.9% of U.S. households with children experienced food insecurity — an embarrassing statistic in our wealthy nation. These children living with daily hunger face a higher risk of health problems and more of a struggle to perform well in school.

Taking a practical view of food insecurity, I want our elected officials to conservatively manage our taxes while also providing a safety net for working families. Otherwise, the result will be economic instability and slower long-term growth of incomes for individuals and businesses. 

Summit County government donated $145,000 to FIRC in 2025 or roughly a few dollars from each of the county’s property owners. This seems like money well-spent to support workers and businesses. This county grant was just 2% of FIRC’s 2025 revenue, with donations from individuals and businesses being their most important revenue source.

Brianne Snow says communities will be strongest when they adopt the “Trickle Up Theory” of economics: we are only as healthy as our most vulnerable residents. If many of our citizens are sick or hungry, we are all affected in long run.

It is easy to become frustrated about the nation’s problems we see in daily headlines. The best therapy is to make a difference locally. Before this year’s end, make a generous tax-deductible donation to your favorite Summit nonprofit organization. Or volunteer at a local charity that provides meals or groceries for your neighbors who are not well off. You will help some grateful people who love Summit County as much as you do.