Salem Encourages Neighbors to Support Families Impacted by Suspension of SNAP Benefits Through Donations to Local Food Banks

At their November 10 meeting, the Salem City Council will consider donating $20,000 to the Marion Polk Food Share for their work in supporting families impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits that took effect on Nov. 1.

The Salem City Council is considering this action while employees across the organization are in the midst of an annual charitable giving campaign. Employees can direct donations to Marion Polk Food Share through the campaign. The charitable giving campaign, which has raised more than $8,000 from City employees so far, is slated to end Dec. 5. The City asks members of our community to join together in support of their neighbors in need.

"Our neighbors who rely on - or plan for - this assistance to supplement their household food budgets and feed their families did not receive it Saturday," said Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi. "As of today, as much as half of the funding for November may be released soon. As federal support is restored, it will take time for the support to reach households. In the meantime, every bit we can offer helps. I encourage our community to come together, as Salem always does, to support families and neighbors in need."

Federal partial payments may be made to states to reinstate SNAP benefits. When states receive this partial funding, the administration announced that procedural difficulties will likely delay the partial SNAP benefits from reaching households in November. If approved by Council, the City's donation would be available to Marion Polk Food Share immediately.

More about finding help

Residents in need of immediate food support are encouraged to explore the following resources:

• Call 211 for assistance connecting to local food programs and emergency services.
• Visit 211.org to locate nearby food banks, pantries and community meal programs.
• Visit foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org to search for local food distribution sites throughout Oregon.

If you are looking for a way to help local community members impacted by the disruption, please visit https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/ways-to-give/.

More about SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to help individuals and families by providing access to healthy food. Federally funded and administered through the Oregon Department of Human Services, SNAP benefits are available to Oregon residents who meet certain income guidelines. In 2024, 1 in 6 Oregon residents received SNAP benefits and more than 54 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children, 37 percent are older adults or disabled and 41 percent are in working families.[1] SNAP benefits are provided to eligible low-income individuals and families through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card for buying groceries.

SNAP funds ensure that families don't have to choose between rent and food or medical care and their next meal. A total of 46,392 households in Marion and Polk counties receive SNAP benefits; 29,713 of those who benefit are children. The average benefit across both counties is $334 per month. The total amount of SNAP benefits distributed to families in those two counties every month is $15.6 million - which is more than the total value of food the Marion Polk Food Share distributes in a year.[2]

More about Marion Polk Food Share

Marion Polk Food Share distributes food for individuals and families to more than 70 local partners, including food pantries and meal sites, and delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.

• Marion Polk Food Share - Food Assistance in the Mid-Valley

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[1] A Closer Look at Who Benefits from SNAP: State-by-State Fact Sheets | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
[2] Marion Polk Food Share