Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a 60-day state of emergency due to hunger and directed $5 million in state funds to bolster the network of Oregon Food Banks across the state. This decisive action comes as Oregon faces the impending cutoff of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for an estimated 757,000 residents due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The immediate disbursement aims to mitigate the severe impact on vulnerable Oregonians who rely on this critical federal aid and highlights the ongoing Oregon hunger crisis.
Oregon Food Banks: State of Emergency Declared as Federal Funding Halts
Governor Kotek’s emergency declaration, effective for 60 days, activates state agencies and resources to ensure emergency food can reach families in need while federal funds remain unavailable for Oregon Food Banks. The declaration establishes a statewide incident command, managed by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, to coordinate responses and ensure greater access to emergency food, especially during the upcoming holiday season. This measure also positions Oregon to swiftly reinstate SNAP benefits once federal funding is restored, supporting the vital work of Oregon Food Banks.
Directing Unspent Funds to Critical Need for Oregon Food Banks
The $5 million allocated by Governor Kotek is being deployed from unspent federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds. This funding source, comprising federal TANF money from previous years that remains available, is deemed suitable for providing short-term crisis benefits without creating new, ongoing state requirements. The funds will support food purchasing, distribution, and local Oregon Food Banks operations to help ensure families can access emergency food boxes, addressing food insecurity Oregon.
The SNAP Crisis and Its Reach in Oregon
The federal government shutdown has directly impacted the funding for SNAP, a program that provides essential food assistance to over 1 in 6 Oregonians, including a significant number of children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Oregon officials had warned that the cutoff of these federally funded benefits, expected to occur at the start of November, could leave hundreds of thousands of residents without a crucial source of grocery funds. The situation underscores a broader, ongoing hunger crisis in Oregon, exacerbated by rising costs of living and previous federal funding shifts, impacting the reach of Oregon Food Banks.
Neighboring States Take Similar Action to Support Food Banks
Oregon’s response mirrors that of its neighbor, Washington state. Governor Kotek’s announcement followed a similar move by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, who directed $2.2 million per week to his state’s food banks to offset the potential loss of SNAP benefits. Both states, along with nearly two dozen others, have also joined a multi-state lawsuit urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release emergency contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown, a critical step for their respective food bank network.
Criticism and Calls for Action for Oregon Food Banks
The governor’s swift action was not without its critics. State Senator Christine Drazan, who is campaigning for governor, criticized Governor Kotek for a perceived lack of urgency, pointing to Washington’s proactive measures. Drazan emphasized the immediate need for leadership and action, urging Oregonians to support their local Oregon Food Banks and calling for nonprofit coalitions and legislative action to address the Oregon hunger crisis.
Governor Kotek, speaking from Tokyo as she returned from an international trade mission, expressed her frustration with the federal political standoff and its impact on Oregon Food Banks. “It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” she stated. “While the Republican-controlled Congress fails to do its job, Oregon will do ours. We stand up for each other, whether it’s fires, floods, or any other crisis. I call on all Oregonians to do what they can to help their neighbors.” This sentiment is crucial for rallying support for the Oregon Food Banks.
Broader Context of Food Insecurity in Oregon and Oregon Food Banks
The current crisis highlights a pre-existing and worsening hunger situation in Oregon. Reports indicate that before the federal shutdown, food insecurity affected approximately 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 children in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The Oregon Food Bank Network has seen a significant increase in visits, with a 31% rise year-over-year, totaling 2.5 million visits in the past year. This demand is placing immense strain on Oregon Food Banks, which are already grappling with rising food and housing costs, and have warned they may not have sufficient resources to absorb the impact of lost SNAP benefits. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) continues to update resources for those in need on its website, needfood.oregon.gov, and encourages individuals to call 2-1-1 for referrals. The news from Oregon is a stark reminder of the fragility of food security and the critical role of both federal and state support systems in times of crisis for the Oregon Food Banks.
