Portland food insecurity grows as funding cuts impact school programs, nonprofits

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – If you were to pass by the Sunshine Division in Southeast Portland on Thursday, you’d see a line of people out the door.

As Portland’s food insecurity has increased, the nonprofit’s executive director said the area’s need has never been greater and the number of families they’ve served has tripled over the last five years.

“Frankly, already seeing ripple effects across the system, we’ve already seen massive cuts across USDA programs which means less food is going across the state,” Kyle Camberg said. “It also means school programs are being cut.”

As the fight to keep food on the table continues, the Sunshine Division has announced it will be extending hours at the SE Stark food pantry. They will also expand weekly home deliveries and double the number of food boxes sent to schools in need this summer.

The increased need comes as USDA cut $1 billion in funding for local schools and food banks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is set to slash SNAP benefits that are currently relied upon by roughly 800,000 Oregonians.

“With regard to SNAP, with the eligibility requirements changed, oftentimes when students are eligible for SNAP, it’s smooth for them to get fewer meals,” Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said. “This is going to make it so much harder and put a lot more burden on our state.”

Bonamici helped pass out lunches at Aloha-Huber Park Elementary School. Their summer meal program helps bridge the gap for families in need providing free breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday.

But the school’s principal said the program was forced to scale back this year due to funding costs. Bonamici says she’s worried about how the recent tax and spending law could exacerbate the need.

“With all of the funds that are being cut, the state is really going to struggle, and that’s just going to come down to hurting kids, hurting their learning ability, hurting the future,” she said.