Oregon — Governor Tina Kotek has declared a 60-day food security emergency and directed $5 million to Oregon’s food banks after the ongoing federal government shutdown halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for more than 757,000 Oregonians.
The declaration activates a coordinated state response through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to ensure emergency food reaches vulnerable families while the Republican-controlled Congress and President Trump remain deadlocked. The Governor said the state will “do our job” while Washington fails to release funds.
“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Kotek said. “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.”
Kotek also urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release existing emergency contingency funds authorized under federal law to sustain SNAP during the shutdown. The state’s emergency declaration will remain in effect through December, covering the holiday season and ensuring Oregon is positioned to restart benefits quickly once the federal government resumes operations.
Using $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds, the Oregon Department of Human Services will distribute money to the statewide network of food banks to bolster food purchasing, distribution, and local operations.
The Governor also called on residents to donate, volunteer, and support local food drives through organizations like the Oregon Food Bank and Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative’s BottleDrop emergency fund campaign.
SNAP supports about one in six Oregonians and contributes an estimated $1.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. With benefits suspended, state agencies are directing residents to resources at needfood.oregon.gov, alimentos.oregon.gov, or by calling 2-1-1 for food assistance.
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