Oregon SNAP Benefits at Risk for 757,000 Amid Federal Shutdown
NAACP - AOWSACThe NAACP Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State Area Conference (AOWSAC) expresses grave concern over the imminent threat to food security for over 757,000 Oregonians. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to expire, placing hundreds of thousands of households—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—at immediate risk of hunger. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has begun notifying recipients that their November benefits may not be issued, creating widespread anxiety and uncertainty.
The potential impact is catastrophic. This cutoff would halt approximately $140 million in monthly aid, forcing families to make impossible choices between groceries, rent, and medicine. Oregon, which ranks as one of the most SNAP-dependent states in the nation, faces a severe crisis that food banks have warned they cannot absorb. Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency over hunger and, along with other state leaders, is urging the USDA to release contingency funds to prevent this lapse in support. “Hunger should never be a consequence of political stalemate,” Governor Kotek stated, emphasizing the federal government’s duty to serve the people.
The NAACP AOWSAC stands with all Oregonians affected by this preventable crisis, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, children, and the elderly. We denounce the use of essential human services, like food assistance, as a political bargaining chip. This situation underscores the fragility of the social safety net and the urgent need for a government that prioritizes the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. We urge federal leaders to resolve this shutdown immediately and restore this essential lifeline.
In the meantime, state officials are directing residents to all available resources. While federal judges have ordered the administration to find emergency funding, delays are still possible. All SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their EBT card balance and monitor the official ODHS SNAP webpage for the latest information. For updates on your specific case, you can also log in to the ONE Online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is affected by the potential SNAP shutdown in Oregon?
Over 757,000 Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits are at risk. This includes 210,000 children and 130,000 older adults, affecting about one in six people in the state.
2. Why are SNAP benefits at risk?
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the federal level. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, funding is set to run out on November 1st if Congress does not act.
3. What is Oregon’s state government doing about it?
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency over hunger, directed $5 million to state food banks, and is legally pressuring the USDA to use its emergency contingency funds to continue payments.
4. How can I check the status of my SNAP benefits?
You should check any remaining balance on your EBT card. For the most current information, visit the official Oregon DHS website at oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap.aspx or log in to your account at benefits.oregon.gov.
5. Will benefits be delayed even if the shutdown ends?
Yes, delays are still possible. Even after federal judges ordered the administration to use emergency funds, the Oregon DHS has warned that processing and distributing benefits could be delayed.
