Governor Kotek Issues Response Following Court Order to Release SNAP Funds

Today, two federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to continue paying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the federal shutdown. SNAP aids roughly 42 million Americans, including more than 750,000 Oregonians, and is set to run out of funds starting on Saturday. Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement:

"The rulings today are a welcome development. However, I stay concerned about the suspension of SNAP benefits that starts tomorrow. Oregonians need help now, which is why I authorized $5 million earlier this week to assist our emergency food pantry network. We are still in a hunger emergency. The state must continue its emergency work because the federal government hasn't given Oregon its money yet.

"I reiterate my call to President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins to use available discretionary funds immediately. Any appeal of this ruling would show that the Administration is allowing Americans to go hungry. The federal government should not delay or spend another penny elsewhere before the deadline provided by the court. More than 750,000 Oregonians shouldn't have to wait for court deadlines -- do it now."

On Monday, Governor Kotek and elected leaders sent a letter to the USDA to demand use of available funds for SNAP benefits. On Wednesday, the Governor declared a hunger emergency and authorized use of $5 million in available TANF carryover funds for emergency food boxes. On Thursday morning, she joined 22 governors in signing a letter demanding available contingency funds be distributed.

The state's website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is regularly updated for anyone in need. Go to needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. People can also call 2-1-1 for referral information.

About SNAP in Oregon
SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon - about 18 percent of households - buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon's economy each year.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to provide updates to the public through:

• The official website odhs.oregon.gov
• The official ODHS social media channels
• Partner organizations
• Additional media alerts

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

• Check EBT card balance regularly
• Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements
• Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels
• Sign up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case
• Know where to find emergency food resources in your community.
• • Visit the needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov
  • Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.
  • Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website.
  • Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting https://www.211info.org.
  • Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit https://www.adrcoforegon.org.

Sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.

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