The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says it releasing benefits today for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Because of the partial federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed states to make February SNAP benefits available early.

State of Ohio benefits will be released today, Wednesday, January 16.

According to ODJFS, this is not a bonus. Households that receive an early issuance will not receive benefits in February.

Those receiving benefits are being advised to plan accordingly and make any food assistance they receive in January stretch as long as possible.

If you have questions about your case, please call your county JFS agency.

Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services

Eileen Dray-Bardon, Director

7989 Dickey Dr., Ste. 2, Lisbon, OH 44432

Phone/Ext: (330) 424-1471

Fax: (330) 424-0925

Hours: Mon-Fri 8a-4:30p, first Thu 8a-6:30p

Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services

Robert E. Bush Jr., Director

345 Oak Hill Ave., mail to P.O. Box 600, Youngstown, OH 44501-0600

Phone/Ext: (330) 740-2600 ext. 8615

Fax: (330) 740-2523 TTY/TTD: (330) 884-6180

Hours: 7:15a-4:30p, other hours by appt.

Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services

John R. Gargano, Director

280 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481-1109

Phone/Ext: (330) 675-2000

Fax: (330) 675-2102

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30a-4:30p

Contact information can be found here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.stm