Mayor Issues Executive Order Creating Emergency Food Assistance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

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RUTLAND, Ohio — Mayor Tyler M. Eblin on Monday issued an executive order creating an emergency food assistance program to coordinate emergency food sources for individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as benefits face uncertainty during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The order directs the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish the emergency food assistance program, and solicit, receive and collect nutritious, non-perishable food items for distribution.

The Department will then be tasked with distributing items received with priority given to those affected by the temporary discontinuation of SNAP benefits, which is projected to begin on November 1, 2025.

"Due to the ongoing shutdown of the federal government, my office has confirmed with the Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services that SNAP benefits may be delayed starting November 1, 2025," comments Mayor Eblin. "To mitigate any disruption to SNAP benefits for those residing in the Village of Rutland, our administration will work diligently to ensure those affected receive the best possible assistance with food resources until federal government funding is reinstated."

As part of Mayor Eblin's order on the Village's emergency food assistance program:

• The Department of Parks and Recreation will begin collecting donations of non-perishable food items immediately.

• The Department will announce the dates, times and location of food drives to distribute non-perishable food items collected to qualifying individuals.

• Qualifying individuals are those who are enrolled in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and who are residing in the Village of Rutland.

• Once the food drive concludes for qualifying individuals, the food drive will be opened to all Village residents on a first come, first serve basis, depending on the remaining inventory of food items.

The Village of Rutland is seeking donations of non-perishable food items. These items may be dropped off at the Rutland Civic Center on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Persons residing in the Village of Rutland, and who are enrolled in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, are asked to contact the Office of the Clerk-Fiscal Officer by calling (740) 742-2121, extension 1000, to ensure public resources can be provided.

Additional information will be provided as it comes available. For information regarding the emergency food assistance program, please visit the Village of Rutland on Facebook @VillageofRutland, or www.villageofrutland.org. 

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