Gov Kotek Directs $1 Million In Emergency Assistance To Oregon Tribes – KXL

SALEM, OR – On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek directed the Oregon Department of Human Services to distribute one-million dollars in emergency assistance to the nine federally recognized Native American Tribes in Oregon. The order in response to what she calls a food security emergency across the state and the ongoing federal government shutdown that has resulted in uncertainty about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.

The emergency funds are to be distributed to the Tribes to help address food security needs in their communities, and they are part of a broader effort that also includes five-million dollars in state-directed funding to the Oregon Food Bank statewide network of regional food banks and food pantries.

The governor places blame for a lack of SNAP funding on President Trump.

“The refusal of the Trump Administration to maintain SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown is creating instability for families and communities that rely on this critical help to buy food,’ said Kotek. “We are moving quickly to ensure that Tribal governments and local partners have the resources they need to meet immediate food security needs.”

The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services is regularly updated for anyone in need. Go to needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. People can also call 2-1-1 for referral information.