Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a Village initiative created under Executive Order 2025-12, issued by Mayor Tyler M. Eblin on Monday, October 27, 2025, to temporarily provide emergency food sources to Village residents who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or "SNAP". The Program was created for the purpose of addressing uncertainty with SNAP benefits during the 2025 lapse in federal appropriations, also known as the "government shutdown".

Food Drive

At this time, there are no public funds available for appropriation to the Emergency Food Assistance Program; however, the Village is seeking community support through donations of non-perishable food items, which will be distributed to qualifying individuals during a series of food drives to be scheduled by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Should public funds become available for appropriation to the Emergency Food Assistance Program, this informational webpage will be updated to reflect such information.

Donation Drop-Off Location and Hours

Donations may be dropped off at:

Rutland Civic Center

337 Main Street

Rutland, Ohio 45775

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Extension 1000

Examples of Non-Perishable Food Items

Non-perishable food items include:

• Canned goods (i.e. Canned fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and beans)

• Dried goods (i.e. Rice, pasta, oats and dried beans)

• Packaged foods (i.e. Crackers, cereals and granola bars)

• Spreads and condiments (i.e. Peanut butter, jelly, honey and cooking oils)

• Beverages (i.e. Bottled water and shelf-stable juices or milk)

• Snacks (i.e. Nuts, dried fruit and protein bars)

Distribution

Distribution of emergency food sources will be scheduled by the Director of Parks and Recreation as soon as sufficient sources are available. Meanwhile, the Village will work diligently to procure such sources to ensure food items are available as soon as possible. Please, refer back to this informational webpage to identify the dates, times and locations of distribution.

Eligibility

Initially, emergency food sources will be distributed only to those who meet the eligibility criteria, as the Emergency Food Assistance Program is aimed at providing assistance to individuals enrolled in SNAP, and whose SNAP benefits may be delayed or discontinued due to the lapse in federal appropriations.

To qualify for distribution:

1. You must be a resident of the Village of Rutland.

2. You must be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and

3. You must present a valid Ohio Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, or letter issued by the Ohio or Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services certifying enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. If you are a parent or guardian enrolled in SNAP, your dependents will be eligible.

Once adequate emergency food sources have been distributed to qualifying individuals, surplus sources will be distributed to Village residents on a first come, first serve basis.

Questions or Concerns