Posted August 9, 202410:00 am
On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 6, 2024 a powerful storm system knocked out power to many households across Northeast Ohio. In addition to other challenges, long power outages can mean families lose perishable food they need.
Replace spoiled food purchased with SNAP benefits
If you are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits and have been without power for 4 hours or more replacement benefits may be available. Document the amount of food you lost. Take a photo of your refrigerator or provide a grocery store receipt if you have it. You can’t request more than the amount of benefits you receive in one month. To apply for replacement benefits, households must complete JFS Form 07222 within 10 days of the loss and submit it to their County Department of Job and Family Services. Download the form here: https://bit.ly/45vcF3q.
For more information, contact your County Department of Job and Family Services, or see the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services press release here: SNAPPowerOutageAugustRelease.pdf (ohio.gov).
Other resources are available
For families seeking other resources, such as food distribution, wi-fi, and air conditioning, the following resources may be helpful:
- From Signal Cleveland: Power's out: Storm clean-up resources for Clevelanders (signalcleveland.org)
- From Signal Cleveland: Where to get food and water, how to apply for SNAP benefits (signalcleveland.org)
- From Cleveland City Council: Four City of Cleveland Recreation & Resource Centers will be open with extended hours, until 11 p., offering residents a place to cool off and connect to Wi-Fi. A limited supply of shelf-stable meals, provided by Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will be available at these four locations beginning on Friday, August 9 at 1 p.m. The locations are:
- Collinwood 16300 Lake Shore Blvd – Wi-Fi, no air conditioning
- Zelma George 3155 MLK Jr Blvd – Wi-Fi, air conditioning
- Cudell 1910 West Blvd – Wi-Fi, partial air conditioning
- Michael Zone 6301 Lorain Ave – Wi-Fi, air conditioning
Legal Aid offices are open. Applications for legal assistance can be submitted online. Or, you can call Legal Aid for help during most business hours at 888-817-3777.
For a quick question about a housing issue - call our Tenant Info Line (216-861-5955 or 440-210-4533). For questions about employment, student loans, or other economic issues, call our Economic Justice Info Line (216-861-5899 or 440-210-4532).