New workfare program helps adults keep SNAP benefits

May 3, 2016 – A new partnership between Oregon Food Bank, Oregon’s Department of Human Services and Portland Community College is helping people affected by recent SNAP cuts. On January 1, 2016, a federal mandate kicked in to limit SNAP usage for 6,500 able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). An ABAWD is a person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents and is not disabled. Anyone classified as an ABAWD would only get SNAP benefits for three months every three years unless they met certain special work requirements.

Making the jobless hungrier won’t help them find work faster. In fact, it’s one more obstacle to gaining employment. Together OFB, DHS and PCC created a State-approved workfare pilot program. A workfare program allows ABAWDs to do unpaid work that fits the federal work requirement, while retaining their SNAP benefits. Oregon Food Bank’s Portland and Beaverton locations are workfare sites. Participants in the program are giving back to the community by volunteering 20 hours a month. They can also add the work to their resumes.

“We stand with and for our neighbors affected by these SNAP cuts,” said Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “We are committed to doing all we can to minimize the impact of this cut and will seek to change this policy as soon as there is an opportunity.”

If you or someone you know is affected by this SNAP cut, contact Oregon’s Department of Human Services to check your eligibility for the workfare program.

Read one man’s struggle to find work.