Facing the suspension of federal food assistance that threatens to leave hundreds of thousands of residents without support, Oregon lawmakers and Governor Tina Kotek have launched an emergency response to prevent widespread hunger. The governor’s declaration of a 60-day food emergency and her directive of $5 million to food banks statewide come as more than 750,000 Oregonians prepare to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1.
The announcement follows weeks of political stalemate in Washington, where the Trump administration and Republican congressional leaders have failed to restore federal nutrition funding during the government shutdown. Governor Kotek’s plan mobilizes the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Human Services to coordinate resources, purchase food, and support local relief networks. The funds, drawn from unspent federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars, will provide immediate aid while encouraging residents to help one another through volunteerism and donations.
Oregon Senate Democrats applauded the governor’s action while criticizing federal leaders for neglecting basic obligations to taxpayers and families. “Community networks, individuals, and state government are doing all they can to weather the hardship that will come when 757,000 Oregonians lose SNAP benefits on November 1,” said Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama of East Portland, Boring, and Damascus. “But the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress cannot dodge the fact that federal tax dollars from our state—nearly $42 billion a year—should be flowing back to Oregonians as essential services and benefits like food assistance.”
Senator Jeff Golden of the Rogue Valley said the federal government’s priorities were misplaced. “It’s stunning to realize that a federal administration that finds ample funds for militant pet projects during the shutdown won’t do anything to keep families from the brink of catastrophic hunger,” he said. “But that’s triggered a new wave of compassion in Southern Oregon; everyday people have the backs of their most vulnerable neighbors.”
Senator Janeen Sollman of Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and the Rock Creek area called the use of food assistance as a political tool “cruel” and praised Kotek’s decision to step in. “Beyond providing financial resources, our food banks urgently need volunteers,” she said. “Here in Western Washington County, Centro Cultural Food Mercado has told me they are in need of volunteers to help out. I encourage everyone to reach out to their local food pantry, whether you can volunteer your time or donate—every contribution matters.”
Senator Deb Patterson of Salem, who serves on the Oregon Hunger Task Force, said the state has never seen such widespread food insecurity. “I have long been convinced that we must do what we can to meet that need, and I crafted legislation earlier this year to help address this issue,” she said. “I am grateful to the Governor for this action to reduce hunger among families in communities across Oregon worsened by the government shutdown, and I urge the federal administration to move quickly to end this needless suffering.”
While Oregon’s emergency funding provides short-term relief, state officials and advocacy groups agree that no local effort can replace the federal SNAP program. For every meal food banks supply, SNAP provides nine. Without congressional intervention, many families could soon find themselves without consistent access to food.
The governor’s order remains in effect for 60 days, but with no clear end to the shutdown in sight, Oregon’s swift response underscores both the urgency of the moment and the limits of what states can do when the federal government fails to act.