[ad_1]
FILE – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek speaks during a signing ceremony in Washington, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
SALEM, Ore. — October 29, 2025 — With federal funding for food assistance halted during the ongoing government shutdown, Governor Tina Kotek has declared a 60-day statewide food security emergency and directed $5 million to Oregon’s food bank network to help families facing hunger.
The move comes as thousands of Oregonians lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is entirely funded by the federal government. SNAP supports roughly one in six people in Oregon, including children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities.
Emergency declaration and state response
Kotek’s declaration activates the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to coordinate food distribution efforts through December, aiming to ensure that emergency food reaches vulnerable families during the holiday season.
The order also positions the state to restart SNAP benefits quickly once federal operations resume. “It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Kotek said in a statement. “While Congress fails to do its job, Oregon will do ours.”
$5 million directed to food banks
The Governor has authorized $5 million from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to bolster Oregon’s network of food banks. According to the state, the funding will be used for food purchasing, distribution, and local operations to meet increased demand during the shutdown.
Call to action for Oregonians
Kotek also urged residents to help their neighbors by donating, volunteering, or supporting food relief efforts. The Oregon Food Bank has launched a “SNAP Gap” fundraising campaign at OregonFoodBank.org/SNAP-Gap.
In addition, the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative is activating its Emergency Fund from Oct. 30 through Nov. 30, allowing Oregonians to donate bottle and can refunds to food assistance organizations through bottledrop.com/food. Many grocery stores across the state will also host checkout donation drives and food collection campaigns in the coming weeks.
The Department of Administrative Services will expand its annual charitable giving campaign to include statewide nonperishable food drives through December 5.
Federal appeal
Kotek renewed her call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funds authorized under federal law to sustain SNAP benefits nationwide. Earlier this week, Oregon leaders sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins urging the department to use all available funds to prevent hunger during the shutdown.
How to get help
Residents seeking food assistance can find resources at needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov, or by calling 2-1-1.
The Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder tool, available in 19 languages, lists local pantries and meal programs.
Older adults and people with disabilities can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
More about:
[ad_2]
Jordan Vawter
Source link
