Good morning, Jackson County. More than 33,000 pounds of locally raised meat is making its way to hungry families across Appalachian Ohio this summer, thanks to the remarkable "Fill the Freezer" initiative. What began as a small Perry County effort in 2021 has blossomed into a six-county movement connecting youth livestock exhibitors with food pantries—providing premium protein that's typically the most expensive item for both families and food banks to source.
Meanwhile, financial considerations rather than politics guided Athens County Treasurer Taylor Sappington's decision to shift $300,000 away from Israeli bonds following recommendations from investment managers citing downgrades and negative outlook. Similar moves have occurred in Cuyahoga and Summit counties based on financial metrics. In federal policy news, significant changes to SNAP benefits are coming through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will shift more costs to states and modify eligibility requirements for millions of Americans, including parents and college students.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💰 Athens County treasurer shifts $300,000 away from Israeli bonds. Taylor Sappington informed county commissioners that his decision to reinvest matured Israeli bond money domestically was based on financial considerations, not politics. An investment management firm recommended against the bonds due to downgrades and negative financial outlook. Sappington emphasized that statute requires investment decisions be non-political, despite hearing from advocates on both sides of the issue. Similar financial concerns have led other Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga and Summit, to freeze or stop Israeli bond investments.
🥫 Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act slashes SNAP benefits nationwide. The overhaul requires states to shoulder more costs starting in 2028, with states covering 75% of administrative expenses while the federal government pays 25%. Work requirements now apply to parents with children under seven instead of under eighteen, and eligibility has been restricted for certain immigrants. The Congressional Budget Office predicts 3.2 million fewer people will receive benefits monthly between 2025-2034. College students continue to face significant barriers to SNAP access, with nearly 60% of eligible students not receiving benefits despite widespread campus food insecurity.
🥩 Rural communities unite to fight hunger with meat donations. Across Appalachian Ohio, including Gallia County, residents donated over 33,000 pounds of locally raised meat to food pantries this summer through the "Fill the Freezer" initiative. The program connects livestock exhibitors, fair boards, and community foundations to address food insecurity while supporting youth agriculture programs. Since launching in Perry County in 2021, the effort has expanded to six additional counties and provided more than 92,000 pounds of fresh protein to families in need. The Southeast Ohio Foodbank notes that meat donations are especially valuable, as protein is typically among the most expensive items for both families and food pantries.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Country fixer with acreage: This foreclosure auction invites bids on a 3 bed, 1.5 bath home with 11+ acres in Jackson for $147,333. No interior access allowed and a 5% buyer's premium applies.
Rural parcel awaits new life: Vacant parcel with septic installed in Oak Hill, OH, priced at $30,000, contingent upon sale of adjacent home first. Located just minutes from Rio Grande with utilities easily accessible.
Rock-bottom price foreclosure opportunity: This foreclosure property on Auction.com has a list price of $0 and may sell below market value, with alerts available for auction dates and status changes on the platform, which has sold over half a million properties.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
-1 Corinthians 13:13
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