Affordability in Greater Cleveland
Declined EBT cards and lost sales: CWRU students trace the impact of SNAP cuts
Case Western students interviewed store owners and managers in areas where many people received SNAP. Many have already seen sales dropping.
Signal Cleveland reports on affordability and the cost of living across Greater Cleveland. This page brings together news and practical guides that explain changing costs, highlight affordable options and point readers toward programs and community resources for housing, food, utilities, transportation, taxes and other everyday expenses.
More news and resources
A federal DEI cut cost Cleveland SNAP shoppers money for produce. Advocates hope to bring it back
Last year, the federal government canceled an Ohio grant that allowed SNAP shoppers to spend extra money on produce categorizing it as a DEI initiative.
Where SNAP shoppers can still get Produce Perks
The Produce Perks program offers SNAP customers up to $25 of a dollar-for-dollar match to spend on fresh produce at farmers markets.
Groceries cost more. SNAP’s been cut. Cleveland, show us how you’re putting food on the table
Signal Cleveland is searching for residents willing to share more about what they eat in a day as food prices rise and SNAP benefits shrink.
How Northeast Ohio residents are saving on gas
With gas prices high and staying that way, here’s how Northeast Ohio residents said they are saving money to get around.
Featured resource for Clevelanders
Learn more about affordability in Greater Cleveland:
Cleveland churches are shouldering the cost of emergency hot meals after FEMA funding freeze
Some Cleveland churches are now paying for their hot meals program using funds raised from their congregations.
How are you coping with higher gas prices?
Gasoline prices have stayed stubbornly high this summer, and Clevelanders are paying up. Let us know your tips for saving money on gas.
Electric bills hit new highs across Ohio, state data shows
An average Ohioan’s July electric bill will be 12% higher than 2025 and 62% higher than 2015, new cost data show. Experts don’t expect the trend to relent.
Fresh produce, hot food and more at the new farm stop in the Central and Kinsman neighborhoods
The four-day event in the Kinsman neighborhood is a pilot program to increase access to fresh and local groceries in the area.
Ohio’s 2026 sales tax holiday runs Aug. 7-9. Here’s what you can and can’t buy at a discount
Ohio’s tax-free holiday will last for just three days this year, down from two weeks last year – and gone is the expanded tax exemption on furniture, electronics and appliances.
Big Ohio counties see rising levels of bad property tax debts
Ohio politics news and insights from the State Signals newsletter. Plus, bipartisan consensus is emerging in how to deal with data centers.
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