Will Oregonians still get SNAP despite Trump’s resistance? What to know

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After President Donald Trump announced he would not fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until the government shutdown ends, there seems to be even more confusion on the future of these benefits.

As of Tuesday, Oregonians on SNAP are still waiting for their benefits despite the Trump administration agreeing Monday to partially fund the program in November.

Although President Trump posted on Truth Social that benefits will not go out until the government reopens, it does not look like that is really the case. The Oregon Department of Human Services told KOIN 6 News that they heard from USDA that these partial benefits will go through. 

According to USDA guidance, states are to issue 50% of each household’s normal monthly benefit, but it will take time for technical updates to make sure benefits are sent out properly.

Oregon has yet to receive that November SNAP funding, so there is no timeline for when benefits will appear.

Meanwhile, William Temple House Executive Director Graham Craft said calls to the food pantry’s hotline have gone up 300% with callers wanting to know what’s happening with their benefits.

“We’re in the same boat as everyone else about predicting what’s going to happen next,” Craft said. “What I think a lot of people don’t understand is that food banks aren’t supposed to be an alternative to SNAP. You know, food banks are supposed to support SNAP.”

Craft said they are responding to the increased need. William Temple House is currently serving 100 people a day with their shopping-style food pantry. After that, they are filling food boxes so that anyone who comes in can leave with something.

“Nobody goes home empty-handed. We’re pulling staff from other teams. We’re using volunteers to fill food boxes so that anybody who shows up in November, they always leave with something. And we’re trying to make it an impactful something,” he said. 

The pantry is typically open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, but they will also add hours the Monday of Thanksgiving week.

As the wait continues, Craft said other people can still help.

“Right now, the best way is money,” Craft said. “They can go on our website, make a donation because we can band together with peer organizations, obviously, and we can source food cheaper than an individual can buy it at the grocery store.”

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.