Sign in Subscribe
Food

Governor Kotek Demands Immediate USDA Action to Protect Food Assistance for 757,000 Oregonians

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and a group of state elected officials have sent a urgent letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption. The letter highlights the critical need for the USDA to utilize available contingency and reserve funds to guarantee that states can issue November SNAP benefits on time and in full. This issue is particularly pressing for the 757,000 Oregonians, including 210,000 children and 130,000 older adults, who rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 757,000 Oregonians, including 210,000 children and 130,000 older adults, rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs.
  • The USDA has available contingency and reserve funds to ensure uninterrupted SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown.
  • Failure to use these funds would be a dereliction of the USDA's duty to serve the American people and would have severe economic ripple effects, particularly in rural communities.
  • SNAP generates $1.6 billion in local economic activity in Oregon each year, with every $1 in SNAP benefits generating $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity.
  • Oregon's SNAP program is entirely federally funded and helps approximately 1 in 6 people in Oregon (about 18% of households) buy groceries.
  • The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is providing updates to the public through their official website, social media channels, and partner organizations.
  • SNAP participants are advised to check their EBT card balance regularly, follow SNAP rules and reporting requirements, and stay informed through ODHS communication channels.

Statistics:

  • 757,000: The number of Oregonians who rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs.
  • 210,000: The number of children who rely on SNAP in Oregon.
  • 130,000: The number of older adults who rely on SNAP in Oregon.
  • 18%: The percentage of households in Oregon that receive SNAP benefits.
  • $1.6 billion: The estimated local economic activity generated by SNAP in Oregon each year.
  • $1.50 to $1.80: The estimated local economic activity generated per dollar in SNAP benefits.
  • 1 in 6 people: The proportion of Oregonians who rely on SNAP to buy groceries.

Sources:

  • Governor Tina Kotek's news release, "Governor Kotek Demands Immediate USDA Action to Protect Food Assistance for 757,000 Oregonians During Federal Shutdown" (October 27, 2025)
  • Letter from Governor Kotek and Oregon elected officials to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins (October 27, 2025)
  • Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) press release, "ODHS Encourages SNAP Participants to Check EBT Card Balance and Follow SNAP Rules" (October 27, 2025)
  • Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website
  • 211info website
  • Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) website

Read more