Oregon Gov. Kotek Declares Food Emergency, Allocates $5M to Food Banks Amid SNAP Benefit Freeze

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a 60-day food security emergency and directed $5 million in unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support the state's food banks as SNAP benefits are set to be frozen for over 757,000 Oregonians due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The suspension of SNAP, which typically provides about $142 million monthly to recipients in Oregon, is expected to significantly increase demand at food banks. Kotek criticized the Republican-controlled Congress for the shutdown and called on Oregonians to assist by donating and volunteering to help neighbors in need. The emergency declaration activates state resources to ensure vulnerable families continue to receive emergency food assistance through the holiday season. Additionally, Oregon, alongside other states, has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funds authorized under federal law to maintain SNAP benefits during the shutdown. This action follows similar moves in other states like Washington, as part of a broader multi-state effort to mitigate hunger caused by the lapse in federal food aid.