Portland, OR. — As thousands of Oregonians face uncertainty following the expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, the PGE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric, is stepping in with a $50,000 donation to the Oregon Food Bank. The contribution aims to help ensure families statewide maintain access to food during the transition.
According to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), SNAP helped more than 757,000 Oregon residents—about one in six people—afford groceries in 2024. With the federal benefits now lapsed, food banks and community pantries are bracing for increased demand.
The PGE Foundation has a long history of supporting hunger relief. Since 1996, Portland General Electric and its foundation have contributed over $1 million to the Oregon Food Bank’s mission to end hunger and promote food security. The organization notes that every $10 donated can provide up to 30 meals for the community.
“Our Foundation is grounded in the belief that we are stronger when we take care of one another,” said Angelica Espinosa, PGE Foundation Board Chair. “This donation reflects our mission and shared commitment to Oregonians, by supporting families, strengthening communities, and helping ensure access to basic needs like food remains affordable and within reach for everyone.”
Oregon Food Bank spokesperson Alison Wandschneider praised the partnership: “As hundreds of thousands of our neighbors face disruption to SNAP benefits, we’ve seen communities across Oregon come together to ensure families can still access the food we all need to thrive. PGE’s longstanding partnership and timely investment strengthen both immediate hunger relief and long-term solutions that end hunger and its root causes for good.”
More information about supporting Oregon Food Bank can be found on its website.
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