Federal Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid Will Deepen Hunger in Oregon

(PORTLAND, OR) — At Oregon Food Bank, we are deeply concerned by the passage of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” There is nothing beautiful about legislation that takes away food assistance and health coverage from millions of Americans. These programs are vital lifelines for millions of families. In Oregon alone, more than 700,000 people - one in six Oregonians - depend on SNAP to put food on the table, and these cuts will have a devastating impact on communities across the state.

“This bill will increase hunger in Oregon. There’s no way to sugar-coat it,” said Andrea Williams, President of Oregon Food Bank. “It takes away food assistance in a number of cruel ways and puts additional barriers in front of people already struggling to meet their basic needs.”

The impact will be felt across the state:

• About 2,900 Oregonians — refugees, humanitarian parolee and approved asylum seekers — will lose SNAP eligibility.

• Harmful new limits and eligibility restrictions will affect thousands more, including veterans and parents of kids over age 14, creating new barriers to access.

• Cuts will drive health and housing instability, with 89% of SNAP households also on Medicaid.

• The bill shifts $150 million in SNAP administration costs onto Oregon taxpayers, and potentially hundreds of millions more in the future.

Hunger is a policy choice, and this bill represents a choice that will have real and lasting consequences for communities across Oregon. We are deeply grateful to Oregon’s Senators and members of Congress who chose to oppose the bill and worked to reduce its harm. At the same time, we are profoundly disappointed in Rep. Cliff Bentz who chose to support legislation that threatens the health and well-being of our communities.

Unfortunately, most people weren’t aware the bill existed.

In the weeks and months ahead, we will work closely with state agencies and lawmakers to implement these changes in ways that minimize harm to our communities. A critical priority is ensuring that Oregonians affected by these cuts have access to clear, accurate information to help them navigate these harmful impacts.

We also call on Oregonians to continue supporting our mission by their generous giving, speaking out, staying informed and working with us to protect food assistance and ensure no one in our communities goes hungry.

Oregonians in need of food assistance can visit OregonFoodFinder.org to find free food and locations where they can double their SNAP benefits.