Oregon Gov. Kotek Allocates $5 Million to Food Banks Amid looming SNAP Cutoff: How This Affects You

Gov. Tina Kotek recently announced a $5 million state funding boost for Oregon food banks as the state braces for a cutoff in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) set for early November.

SNAP, which helps over one in six Oregonians buy groceries, is facing those cuts due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. This has put more than 750,000 residents at risk of losing monthly benefits.

To tackle this issue, Kotek is utilizing unspent funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. She anticipates that more people will rely on food banks as federal support dwindles.

Washington’s Gov. Bob Ferguson recently directed $2.2 million to his state’s food banks for similar reasons. Both states are part of a multi-state lawsuit urging the USDA to use emergency funds to support ongoing SNAP operations during the shutdown.

Kotek has declared a 60-day food security emergency, which will aid coordination between state agencies, nonprofits, and local governments to ensure resources are effectively distributed. She also encouraged Oregonians to donate food and aid their neighbors.

“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Kotek stated from Tokyo, where she was on an international trade mission. Her words highlight a growing frustration as Congress struggles to pass a short-term spending package. This shutdown marks one of the longest in U.S. history, raising concerns about its impact on vulnerable communities.

In a recent survey by the Oregon Food Bank, 58% of respondents reported that they had to choose between paying for food and other necessities. This emphasizes the urgency of the situation, making Kotek’s actions even more critical.

To find food resources, visit needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. You can also call 2-1-1 for assistance.

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