Gov. Kotek demands USDA to continue SNAP benefits despite federal shutdown

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is demanding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) take action to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.

As it stands, roughly 757,000 Oregonians will not be getting their food benefits in November

after President Donald Trump directed states to not distribute benefits until further notice.

Kotek’s letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the USDA needs to utilize available contingency and reserve funds to continue uninterrupted.

“The ongoing federal shutdown has created unacceptable uncertainty for families, children, older adults, and communities across Oregon,” the letter said . “Hunger should never be a consequence of political stalemate. USDA must act swiftly to ensure that families have access to food and that benefits are delivered without delay.”

In addition to Governor Kotek, the letter was also signed by Secretary of State Tobias Read, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, Senate President Rob Wagner, House Speaker Julie Fahey, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, and House and Senate budget Co-Chairs Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Tawna Sanchez.

The lapse in federal funding can only be resolved by Congress and President Donald Trump reaching an agreement. Food banks and other charities in Oregon previously told KOIN 6 News that cuts could add to the strain many households are already feeling.

Roughly 1 in 6 Oregon residents rely on SNAP benefits. About 210,000 of Oregon’s 757,000 SNAP recipients are children and 130,000 are age 65 and older.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.