SNAP Updates, and What Comes Next

We are relieved and grateful to know that as of the morning of November 7, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been issued in full in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Human Services website is the best source of information about SNAP benefits: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/snap-updates.aspx.

In the past few weeks, our community has shown extraordinary compassion by stepping up to donate, host food drives, and support our work to help neighbors seeking food assistance. The outpouring of generosity has been humbling and heartening.

While today’s good news brings relief, the need remains immense. We are still expecting significant increases in requests for food assistance due to new restrictions on SNAP that went into effect this month as a result of HR 1. The federal government shutdown continues, further impacting furloughed federal workers. Additionally, we anticipate a dramatic drop-off of USDA-supplied food to Food for Lane County in early 2026. Our community’s efforts have helped us prepare for these ongoing challenges.

Hunger is an everyday emergency in Lane County. Thousands of individuals and families don’t have enough to eat each month. Food for Lane County is here for each one of them, every day. With enough food, kids show up to school ready to learn, people can meaningfully contribute to our workforce, and seniors are cared for across their lives. We look forward to continuing to share the stories of what community support makes possible.