The Brightside Project is immobilizing its Crisis Relief for Kids initiative by distributing crisis relief food bags to children ages 3 to 8 on Wednesday at the organization’s headquarters at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave. in Salem. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

LISBON — More than 14,000 households in Columbiana County are recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and an estimated 5,600 county children rely on that program which is currently left unfunded due to the current federal shutdown. November benefits were not received and the fear of children left hungry is now a reality families across the country, state and county are facing.

In an effort to lessen the impacts of the interruption of SNAP benefits, The Brightside Project is immobilizing its Crisis Relief for Kids initiative by distributing crisis relief food bags to children ages 3 to 8.

“The government shutdown has created real challenges for many families in our community,” said Lisa Vittorio, co-director of The Brightside Project. “We’re grateful to be able to offer immediate relief and encouragement to children who may be feeling the stress of these circumstances.”

Food bag distribution will take place Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Brightside Project headquarters, located at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave. in Salem.

“Each child-friendly food bag will contain essential, nutritious items to ensure children have access to meals despite the uncertainty caused by the shutdown,” the organization said via a press release.

Children in SNAP-receiving households in Columbiana County and parts of rural Mahoning County including South Range, West Branch, Sebring, Jackson-Milton, Springfield Local, and Western Reserve school districts are eligible for the food crisis relief.

The Brightside Project asks that families bring their children or provide a SNAP benefit letter listing the children in the household. Federal workers should bring proof of employment and birth certificates for each child if the children are not present and no SNAP benefit letter is available.

A second food bag distribution will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 12.

In addition to the food bags, hot meals will be served to children and their families during both events, courtesy of the North Lima Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ Mission Team.

“A huge thank you to the Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ Mission Team for partnering with us this month to ensure no child in our community goes hungry,” The Brightside Project said in a Facebook post. “We’re so grateful for their servant hearts and continued support in helping us bring hope and nourishment to children across Columbiana and rural Mahoning County.”

The Brightside Project, a faith-based non-profit organization launched in 2016 by Vittorio and her father Scott Lewis, offers support to low-income and underserved families in Columbiana County and surrounding communities and “has a history of providing essential support during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the East Palestine train.”

For more information about The Brightside Project’s Crisis Relief efforts or to learn how to support local children or follow @brightsideprojectohio on social media.

selverd@mojonews.com