The challenge of providing food for hundreds of thousands of Oregonians is set to intensify, as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be temporarily suspended in less than a week. The Oregon Department of Health and Human Services (ODHS) began notifying families earlier this week that they will not receive new SNAP benefits after October 31.
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are among several national lawmakers urging the Trump administration to release funds for SNAP in November. This request follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that these benefits will be delayed nationwide due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, leaving approximately 757,000 Oregonians without their monthly aid.
Among those receiving SNAP benefits in Oregon, 54% are from families with children, 37% have members who are elderly or disabled, and over 41% are from working households. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in 2024, Oregonians received an average of $176 per month in SNAP benefits, equating to about $5.77 per day.
AJ McCreary, Executive Director of Equitable Giving Circle, emphasized the precarious nature of the food system, stating, “This situation highlights how fragile and poorly designed our food systems are. It’s a truly frightening moment. Every way you look at these statistics, it’s alarming.”
In response, officials in Multnomah County are working to ensure residents are aware of available resources. Hunger Program Specialist Annie Kirschner noted, “We’re making sure people know about resources like the Oregon Food Bank and other food pantries. We’re also informing them that services such as school meals and Meals on Wheels remain unaffected by the government shutdown.”
