The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks in conjunction with all of Ohio’s regional Food Banks are implementing a new program statewide: The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB). The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank has begun to integrate OBB into the community at large and our 8 county-wide service area. The Ohio Benefit Bank is an online resource enhancement tool that allows trained counselors to complete client applications for public benefits. The free, web-based software has the ability to determine a combination of programs that clients are both eligible for, and would be most helpful based on their income and monthly expenses.

All of the clients’ information is stored on a secure server and the program populates all applicable information into the various forms for clients. This process of storing client information allows each subsequent application to be completed faster and more efficiently. This method also eliminates run-around to various local offices and multiple trips to local Jobs and Family Services offices to pick up, return, and finalize forms. Current services linked to The Ohio Benefit Bank are: medical benefit programs; nutrition programs; child care subsidies; energy assistance (HEAP); cash assistance; WIC; family health services; free assistance filing federal, state, and city school and district taxes (as well as back taxes and economic stimulus filing); voter registration; and more.

AmeriCorps*VISTAs, placed at each of the regional food banks, are implementing the project. In Northwest Ohio we have excelled at integrating this widely successful program into the surrounding communities. The extra income families receive through this process is ultimately spent in our local communities.

Find a Benefit Bank site near you.

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If you or your agency is interested in receiving more information or becoming part of this program, please contact our office at 419-242-5000 to arrange a meeting and training.