Oregon Declares Statewide Food Emergency as Federal SNAP Funding Runs Out
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a 60-day food security emergency, following President Donald Trump’s announcement that SNAP benefits will not be available in November because of the government shutdown.
A lack of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will affect 757,000 Oregonians, but Kotek has issued an executive order directing $5 million to the state’s food banks.
Kotek has ordered the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to coordinate state agencies, including local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners.
The governor states swift action is required, as the lack of SNAP funding also affects 210,000 children and 130,000 seniors. She says the interruption of SNAP benefits will significantly increase hunger and food insecurity across Oregon.
The $5 million allocation will be used to buy emergency food supplies for distribution statewide.
Free Food Available at the Following Businesses
Kotek’s appeal to Oregonians to donate to food banks has been met with a positive response from several businesses.
The generosity of Oregonians is aptly displayed by Heretic Coffee in Portland’s Reed Neighborhood, which will provide breakfasts after raising more than $72,000 in an online appeal.
Legacy Coffee, Gresham, will provide free sack lunches to SNAP beneficiaries from November 1.
AG Burrito is offering free breakfast burritos in response to customers saying ‘SNAP Burrito.’ These will be served at its branches in Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, and Lake Oswego.
Once again the government has failed to help children, seniors or disabled. I live on ssa which is not enough. I’m barely able to get by. I depend on snap. Our government people should try living in poverty, going hungry or homeless. I’ve worked hard from an early age (7). I’m in my mid 70’s. I have some medical issues that I work hard to control so I don’t have to deal with pain and debt. Food prices are high so many people are struggling. Maybe we should start doing things like the 50’s and early 60’s. Keep cell phones but lose ai. It’s put people out of work. There would be less id thief. Think about it. Care for others.