Empowering Oregon’s Immigrants: New Bill to Provide Essential Food Support for Those Excluded from Federal Benefits

Oregon is facing a surge in hunger, and advocates are speaking out. They are urging lawmakers to back Senate Bill 611, designed to help those who can’t access federal food assistance due to their immigration status.

During a recent press conference at the state capitol, Senator Wlnsvey Campos emphasized that no one should ever have to sleep hungry. “It’s a conviction that drives everything we’re fighting for,” she said. Campos is one of the main sponsors of the bill, which aims to establish the Food for All Oregonians Program. This program would support individuals under 25 and over 55 who are ineligible for SNAP benefits because of their immigration status.

Currently, federal SNAP benefits are not available to immigrants without proper documentation. Past attempts to introduce similar legislation in 2023 faced challenges, but advocates believe this is the right time to push forward, especially with new policies threatening vital food assistance programs.

Andrea Williams, president of the Oregon Food Bank, pointed out that recent federal actions could jeopardize SNAP and other critical services. “These policies are in direct opposition to our values as Oregonians,” she stated.

On a chilly morning at the state capitol, supporters held signs reading, “End Hunger” and “Food is a Human Right.” Many of these advocates are family members of farmworkers, highlighting the vital role they play in supporting Oregon’s agricultural industry.

Statistics reveal the severity of the hunger crisis in Oregon. One in eight residents struggle with hunger. Local food banks saw over 2.5 million visits last year, a staggering increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, one in six children in the state faces food insecurity, placing Oregon amidst the highest rates of hunger since the Great Depression.

• Last year, we saw 2.5 million visits to food assistance sites through the Oregon Food Bank Network — a 31% increase from the previous year.
• Our strength is this Network, which sourced and distributed over 91 million meals worth of food (nearly 110 million pounds) last year

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Politics | Immigrants | Snap