Each year, Oregon’s Joint Ways & Means Committee travels around the state to hear from residents about their priorities. Recently, supporters of the Food for All Oregonians bill gathered in Salem on April 16. This bill aims to provide food benefits to all children in Oregon, regardless of their immigration status. Over 180 organizations back this initiative, indicating a growing bipartisan movement.
Ali King, from the Our Children Oregon coalition, highlighted the urgent need for this bill. She pointed out that one in six children in Oregon face hunger, a situation that is both unacceptable and alarming. Her organization has placed Food for All Oregonians at the forefront of their Children’s Agenda, which aims to improve the lives of children and families in the state. Currently, the bill awaits discussion in the Ways and Means Committee.
This bill originally included food assistance for older adults, but critics oppose extending benefits to undocumented immigrants. King emphasized that the issue goes beyond immigration. “No child should suffer because of political disagreements,” she stated.
If passed, the Food for All Oregonians bill would create a program in the Department of Human Services to help children under six who would qualify for SNAP benefits if not for their immigration status. The projected cost for this initiative over the upcoming biennium is around $7.5 million. The coalition is committed to ensuring that every Oregon child has access to the food they need.
Looking at hunger issues across the U.S., data shows that many states are grappling with similar challenges. A recent study revealed that approximately 1 in 6 children face food insecurity nationwide. These statistics reflect a broader societal crisis that demands urgent action and support for vulnerable populations, particularly children.
In Iowa, for instance, proposed cuts to SNAP would significantly impact children relying on these benefits. Emily Shearer from the Food Bank of Iowa noted that one in six Iowa kids currently face hunger, a statistic that resonates with similar issues seen in Oregon. According to USDA reports, around 130,000 Iowans are on SNAP, demonstrating how widespread food insecurity is.
In Indiana, the situation is equally concerning. More than 7,500 children were removed from their homes last year due to abuse and neglect, with a notable increase in cases. Jeff Wittman, from Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, stressed that symptoms like persistent hunger are often overlooked. This highlights the interconnectedness of child welfare and food security.
These trends emphasize the importance of policies that support families in need. By investing in programs like Food for All Oregonians, states can address both hunger and child welfare effectively. The time for action is now, as countless children depend on these measures for their health and future. For more details on hunger issues, check the Oregon Food Bank and the USDA reports.
In conclusion, the push for Food for All Oregonians reflects a critical need for inclusive policies that ensure every child has enough to eat, which is essential for their growth and well-being.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Growth: Australia’s Food Safety Testing Market Set to Surge at 9.1% CAGR by 2035 – Insights from AMR Report
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