This is the first month Oregonians, alongside 31 other states, will see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits return to pre-COVID-19 amounts. Oregon Food Bank is bracing for an increase in need.
In a letter to state lawmakers, Gov. Tina Kotek urged lawmakers to approve $7.5 million for emergency food purchasing through Oregon Food Bank.
The state is facing an “unprecedented food shortage crisis,” Kotek wrote, due to a combination of federal pandemic emergency food allotments ending, an increase of 32% in food costs, food supply chain disruptions, a reduction in federal investments for food banks and reduced access to donated foods.
The state should not wait for federal action, Kotek warned.
“Without an immediate investment, Oregon Food Bank will be forced to reduce the level of food support it provides to its regional food banks, and local food pantries will be unable to feed Oregonians who need help,” the letter said.
A sign welcomes visitors to a mobile food pantry put on by the Eugene 4J Wraparound Program and FOOD For Lane County. By Ben Lonergan, The Register-Guard
By Dianne Lugo, Salem Statesman Journal