URGENT: Oregon SNAP Benefits Halted - Where to Get Food Now

By Joe | About the Author | Published: October 28, 2025 | Last Updated: October 29, 2025

If You Need Food, Start Here

SNAP benefits blocked. Government shutdown. Emergency funds withheld. Food prices still high. Rent still due. And 757,000 Oregonians just lost their food assistance overnight.

This isn't a personal failure. This is a deliberate policy choice. But while we fight this, you need food today.

This guide covers every food assistance program that's still working - food banks, TEFAP distribution, Oregon businesses offering free meals, WIC, school meals, senior programs, and emergency cash assistance. SNAP is blocked, but these resources are active right now.

No one should go hungry while the ruling class plays politics with people's lives.

Understanding the Current Situation

What's happening with SNAP benefits:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) provides monthly benefits to over 42 million Americans nationwide. But as of November 1, 2025:

Other states: SNAP status varies. Government shutdowns can delay payments or force early issuance in other states. Check with your state DHHS for current status.

What this means:

• Emergency allotments (extra pandemic benefits) have ended in most states
• Work requirements expanded for some recipients (18-54 without dependents)
• Budget proposals threaten further cuts to safety net programs
• Benefits haven't kept pace with inflation - food prices up 25% since 2020

If you're in Oregon facing SNAP benefit loss, skip to these sections: TEFAP, Food Banks, Oregon Businesses Offering Free Meals, Emergency Assistance

SNAP Emergency Benefits and Status

Check Your SNAP Status (Other States)

If you're currently receiving SNAP outside Oregon:

• Check your EBT card balance: Call the number on back of card or check your state's EBT app
• Know your benefit date: SNAP benefits are issued monthly on specific dates (varies by state/last digit of case number)
• Emergency allotments ended: Your benefits may be lower during governmnet shutdowns
• Recertification deadlines: Don't miss recertification or benefits will stop
• Check with your state DHHS: Shutdown impacts vary by state

If you're not on SNAP but need help (outside Oregon):

• You may qualify even if working - SNAP has income limits but many working families qualify
• Apply online: Most states have online SNAP applications through your state's DHHS/social services website
• Expedited SNAP: If you have less than $150/month income and less than $100 in bank, you may get benefits within 7 days
• No citizenship requirement for children: US citizen children can receive SNAP even if parents are undocumented

During government shutdown:

• SNAP is considered mandatory spending and typically continues
• However, the president has blocked emergency SNAP funds, causing complete halts in some states (like Oregon)
• Extended shutdowns (30+ days) can delay payments in other states
• Some states issue benefits early during shutdowns - check your state DHHS website
• If payment is delayed or halted, use resources below (food banks, TEFAP, emergency assistance)

How to Apply for SNAP (Not Available in Oregon Right Now)

⚠️ Oregon residents: SNAP applications are not being processed in Oregon during the benefits halt. This information is for residents of other states or for future reference when Oregon SNAP resumes.

Online: Search "[your state] SNAP application" or visit your state's Department of Health and Human Services website

By phone: Call your state's SNAP hotline (search "[your state] SNAP phone number")

In person: Visit your local DHHS office (bring ID, proof of income, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for household members)

Eligibility basics (2025):

• Income limit: Gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of poverty line ($1,580/month for individual, $3,250/month for family of 4)
• Asset limit: $2,750 in countable resources ($4,250 if household has elderly/disabled member)
• Work requirements: Able-bodied adults 18-54 without dependents must work 20 hours/week or participate in work program (state-specific rules)

USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

What is TEFAP?

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal program that provides USDA-purchased food to state agencies, who then distribute it to local food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens. You do NOT need to be on SNAP to receive TEFAP food.

How TEFAP Works

The supply chain:

1. USDA purchases food - The federal government buys surplus agricultural products from farmers
2. States distribute to food banks - State agencies allocate food to regional food banks based on poverty rates
3. Food banks distribute locally - Local food banks, pantries, and meal programs receive TEFAP food
4. You receive food - Visit participating food pantries to receive TEFAP commodities

What Food Does TEFAP Provide?

TEFAP typically includes:

• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon)
• Peanut butter
• Pasta and rice
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Shelf-stable milk
• Dried beans and lentils
• Flour and cornmeal
• Fresh produce (when available)
• Frozen meats and poultry (when available)

Food varies by season and what USDA purchases. Not all pantries receive TEFAP food, but most food banks in the Feeding America network distribute TEFAP commodities.

Who Qualifies for TEFAP?

Income requirements: Generally, household income must be at or below 185% of federal poverty level (varies by state):

• 1 person: $2,430/month or less
• 2 people: $3,287/month or less
• 3 people: $4,143/month or less
• 4 people: $5,000/month or less

What you need:

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, piece of mail)
• ID (driver's license, state ID, passport - not always required)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters - some pantries don't require)

Many pantries use self-declaration - you simply state your household income and they provide food. Requirements vary by state and pantry.

How to Find TEFAP Distribution

Find your state's TEFAP coordinator: Search "[your state] TEFAP program" or call your state Department of Agriculture or DHHS

Feeding America network: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank - Most food banks distribute TEFAP food

Call 211: Free service connecting you to local food resources, including TEFAP pantries

Food Banks and Pantries Near You

Food banks and pantries are your most accessible immediate resource. You do not need to be on SNAP, you do not need to prove citizenship, and most do not require appointments.

Feeding America Network

200 food banks serving 60,000+ pantries and meal programs nationwide.

Find your local food bank: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Once you find your regional food bank (e.g., Oregon Food Bank, Greater Chicago Food Depository), their website will have a "Find Food" tool showing every pantry, meal program, and mobile distribution in your area.

What to Expect at a Food Pantry

First visit:

• Bring ID and proof of address (utility bill, piece of mail with your name)
• Some pantries require you to show you live in their service area
• Fill out short intake form (name, address, household size, income - usually self-reported)
• Some pantries are client-choice (you pick items like grocery shopping), others are pre-packed boxes

How often can you go?

• Most pantries allow visits once per week or once per month
• You can visit multiple pantries (each has own rules)
• Mobile food distributions are usually once per month at set locations

No one will judge you. Food pantry volunteers and staff understand that anyone can need help. You are not taking food from someone else - food banks receive enough food to serve everyone who needs it.

Types of Food Assistance Sites

Food pantries: Distribute groceries to take home (weekly or monthly visits)

Soup kitchens / meal programs: Serve prepared meals on-site (often daily)

Mobile food distributions: Food bank trucks visiting neighborhoods (check schedule on food bank website)

Food boxes for seniors: Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors 60+ (monthly boxes of shelf-stable food)

Community fridges: Free-standing refrigerators in public spaces stocked by community donations (take what you need, no questions asked)

WIC: Women, Infants, and Children Program

WIC provides food assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Who Qualifies for WIC?

You may be eligible if you are:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding (up to baby's first birthday)
• Postpartum (up to 6 months after birth)
• Parent/guardian of child under age 5

AND your household income is at or below 185% of federal poverty level (same as TEFAP - see above)

Automatic qualification: If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically qualify for WIC (income already verified)

What Does WIC Provide?

Specific foods for nutrition:

• Infant formula (specific brands approved by state)
• Baby food (fruits, vegetables, meats)
• Milk (whole, 2%, 1%, skim, soy, lactose-free)
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Whole grain bread, tortillas, brown rice
• Cereal (specific brands/types)
• Peanut butter or beans
• Fruits and vegetables ($9-11/month per person - fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Juice (100% fruit/vegetable juice)

WIC is not cash - it's a debit card (eWIC) that works only for approved foods at approved stores. Most major grocery stores accept WIC.

How to Apply for WIC

Find your state WIC agency: fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-state-agency-contacts

Apply online or call: Many states now have online WIC applications or phone intake

What you need:

• Proof of identity (ID for parent, birth certificates for children)
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income (pay stubs, SNAP/Medicaid letter, tax return)
• Immunization records (not required for enrollment, but needed for children eventually)

Health screening: WIC requires basic health check (height, weight, hemoglobin test) - provided free at WIC clinic

No citizenship requirement: Undocumented immigrants can receive WIC for their children

School Meal Programs

If you have school-age children, free or reduced-price meals are available at school.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Who qualifies:

• Automatic qualification: If your household receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
• Income-based: Household income at or below 185% of poverty level (same as WIC)
• Homeless, runaway, migrant, or foster children: Automatically qualify

What's included:

• Free or reduced breakfast (if school offers breakfast program)
• Free or reduced lunch
• In some schools: after-school snacks or dinner (in areas with high poverty rates)

How to apply: Fill out Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application at your child's school (usually at start of school year, but can apply anytime)

Privacy: Your child's meal status is confidential - other students don't know who receives free meals

Summer Meal Programs

When school is out, kids can still eat free.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Free meals for children 18 and under at community sites (parks, libraries, schools, churches) during summer break

Find summer meal sites: Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304, or call 1-866-3-HUNGRY

No application required - just show up at meal site during serving times

Weekend Backpack Programs

Many schools send kids home with backpacks of food on Fridays to ensure they have food over the weekend.

Ask your child's school counselor or principal if they offer a backpack program. If not, ask if they'd consider starting one (usually run by local food banks in partnership with schools).

Senior Nutrition Programs

If you're 60 or older, several programs provide food assistance specifically for seniors.

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals for seniors who have difficulty shopping or cooking.

Who qualifies: Age 60+ (some programs prioritize seniors with disabilities or limited mobility)

What you get: Hot meals delivered to your home (usually 5 days/week, sometimes 7)

Cost: Free or low-cost (suggested donation, but no one is turned away)

Find your local program: mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals or call Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Monthly food boxes for seniors 60+ with low income.

Who qualifies:

• Age 60 or older
• Income at or below 130% of poverty level ($1,580/month for individual, $2,137/month for couple)

What you get: Monthly box of shelf-stable foods (canned meats, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, dried beans, cheese, milk, juice)

How to apply: Contact your local food bank or senior center - they administer CSFP in most areas

Congregate Meal Programs

Free or low-cost meals served at senior centers and community sites.

Who qualifies: Age 60+ (spouses of any age can also attend)

What you get: Hot lunch (and sometimes breakfast or dinner) at senior center, church, or community center

Cost: Free or suggested donation (no one turned away)

Bonus: Social interaction and activities (many seniors attend for community as much as food)

Find programs: Call Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 or search "[your city] senior center meals"

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Vouchers to buy fresh produce at farmers markets.

Who qualifies: Seniors 60+ with low income

What you get: Vouchers ($20-50 per season) to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at farmers markets

Availability: Not available in all states (check your state DHHS or agriculture department)

Emergency Cash and Utility Assistance

Sometimes you need cash to buy food (or keep the lights on so your fridge stays cold).

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Cash assistance for families with children.

Who qualifies: Families with children under 18 (or under 19 if in school), meeting state income requirements

What you get: Monthly cash payment (amount varies widely by state - $200-700/month typical)

Requirements: Work requirements or participation in work program (varies by state)

Time limits: Lifetime limit of 60 months (5 years) in most states

Apply: Through your state DHHS office

Emergency Assistance (EA)

One-time or short-term help with food, housing, or utilities.

Who qualifies: Families or individuals facing emergency (eviction, utility shutoff, lack of food)

What you get: Varies - could be cash for rent, grocery voucher, utility bill payment

Apply: Through local DHHS office, 211, or community action agencies

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Help paying heating or cooling bills.

Why this matters for food: If you're choosing between electricity and groceries, LIHEAP can cover your utility bill so you can buy food

Who qualifies: Low-income households (income limits vary by state)

What you get: Payment toward heating or cooling costs (sometimes directly to utility company)

Apply: Through state LIHEAP office or local community action agency (search "[your state] LIHEAP")

Catholic Charities and Other Faith-Based Assistance

Many churches and religious organizations offer emergency assistance.

Catholic Charities: Emergency food, rent assistance, utility help (you don't have to be Catholic) - catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help

St. Vincent de Paul: Food pantries, financial assistance, thrift stores

The Salvation Army: Food pantries, meal programs, emergency lodging

Sikh Gurdwaras (Sikh Temples) - Langar (Free Community Meals): Sikh temples serve free vegetarian meals to anyone who walks in - no questions asked, no requirements, no judgment. This is called Langar, a core Sikh practice of community service. Meals are prepared and served by volunteers, and everyone sits together as equals. You don't need to be Sikh. You don't need to prove need. Just show up. Many Gurdwaras serve meals daily or several times per week. Search "[your city] Sikh Gurdwara" or "[your city] Sikh temple" to find one near you. Some also offer help cleaning or serving meals in exchange for food, but this is voluntary, not required.

Local churches: Many run food pantries or benevolence funds for community members in crisis

Food Redistribution and Community Resources

Beyond government programs, communities are feeding each other.

Community Fridges

Free-standing refrigerators in public spaces, stocked by community donations.

How they work: Take what you need, leave what you can. No questions, no paperwork, no judgment.

Where to find them: Search "[your city] community fridge" or "free fridge" - often located outside community centers, churches, businesses

What you'll find: Fresh produce, dairy, prepared meals, shelf-stable items

Food Rescue and Gleaning Programs

Recovering edible food that would otherwise be wasted.

Food rescue: Volunteers pick up surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and farms, and deliver to food pantries or distribute directly to community

Gleaning: Harvesting leftover crops from farms (farmers donate what can't be sold commercially)

How to participate: Contact your local food bank - many run rescue/gleaning programs and welcome volunteers (you often take home food when you volunteer)

Mutual Aid Networks

Community groups organizing to help each other.

How to find mutual aid: Search "[your city] mutual aid" on social media (Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter) or mutualaidhub.org

What they offer: Food distributions, grocery funds, community meals, supply sharing

No means-testing: Mutual aid operates on trust and solidarity - if you need help, you get help

Buy Nothing Groups

Hyperlocal Facebook groups for giving and receiving items (including food).

Find your group: Search "Buy Nothing [your neighborhood]" on Facebook

How it works: Post what you need ("ISO: canned goods, pasta, kids' snacks") or what you can give

No money changes hands - it's gift economy, not barter

Little Free Pantries

Like Little Free Libraries, but for food.

Small outdoor boxes stocked with non-perishable food items by neighbors.

Take what you need, leave what you can. No questions asked.

Find them: Walk your neighborhood or search "[your city] little free pantry" - they're often in front yards or at community buildings

Oregon Businesses Offering Free Meals

Starting November 1, 2025, local Oregon businesses are stepping up to help neighbors facing SNAP benefit cuts.

Nearly 757,000 Oregon residents will lose SNAP benefits in November, including 143,000 in Multnomah County. While we fight this federal policy failure, these local businesses are feeding people right now.

Nan's Taqueria

Location: Inside Sunnyside Food Hall, Happy Valley

What they're offering: Free meals with no questions asked, plus boxes with fresh produce, meals, and supplies

Owner: Miranda Luis-Silva

How to access: Just show up - no paperwork, no proof required

Heretic Coffee Co.

Location: Southeast 28th Avenue, Portland

What they're offering: Free SNAP breakfast starting November 1 - no questions asked

Community support: Over $75,000 donated by 2,000+ people (including donations from Ireland, Australia, and West Africa)

Owner: Josh White (has tripled breakfast burrito orders and added industrial oven to meet demand)

Montavilla Brew Works

What they're doing: Organizing food collection drives and coordinating community resources

How to help or get help: Contact directly for current programs

Josephine County Food Bank - YMCA Emergency Mobile Pantry

Location: YMCA, 1000 Redwood Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97527 (Rogue Valley/Southern Oregon)

What they're offering: Pop-up emergency food pantry every Tuesday until SNAP benefits are restored

Schedule: Starting November 4, 2025 - Every Tuesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

How to access: Just show up - open to anyone in the community during the SNAP benefit delay

Organizer: Josephine County Food Bank in partnership with the YMCA

This is what community defense looks like. When federal policy fails, neighbors feed neighbors. If you're facing SNAP cuts in Oregon, these businesses have your back.

Remember these businesses when times are easier again. They showed up when you needed help. When you're back on your feet, buy a coffee at Heretic. Get tacos at Nan's. Grab a beer at Montavilla Brew Works. Support the businesses that supported you. That's how community works.

Know of other Oregon businesses helping? Email us at rogueresistance@proton.me - we'll update this list.

Sources: Willamette Week, KGW8

Last updated: October 29, 2025

How to Find Resources Near You

One-stop resource finders:

Call 211

Free, confidential service connecting you to local resources.

How to use: Call 211 from any phone (landline or cell) or text your ZIP code to 898-211

What they help with: Food assistance, housing, utilities, health care, mental health, employment, disaster relief

Available 24/7 in most areas, multilingual support

FindHelp.org (formerly Aunt Bertha)

Search engine for social services.

Use: findhelp.org - Enter your ZIP code and what you need

Shows: Food pantries, SNAP offices, WIC clinics, meal programs, and more - with hours, contact info, and eligibility

Benefits.gov

Find federal benefits you may be eligible for.

Use: benefits.gov/benefit-finder - Answer questions about your situation, see list of programs

Covers: SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, housing assistance, disability benefits, veteran benefits, and more

Your State's 2-1-1 Website

Many states have searchable databases of resources.

Search "[your state] 211" to find your state's resource directory (can search online without calling)

Long-Term Food Security Strategies

Beyond emergency help, building stability:

Community Gardens

Grow your own food in shared garden space.

Find community gardens: Search "[your city] community garden" or contact parks department

Cost: Usually low annual fee ($20-50) for plot rental

Bonus: Learn gardening skills, meet neighbors, save money on produce

Cooking Classes and Nutrition Education

Stretch your food budget with cooking skills.

SNAP-Ed: Free nutrition education for SNAP recipients (cooking classes, recipes, budgeting tips) - offered through state SNAP agencies

Extension offices: USDA Cooperative Extension offers free or low-cost cooking and food preservation classes

Food banks: Many offer cooking demos using food pantry ingredients

SNAP Recertification

Don't lose benefits due to paperwork.

Recertification: SNAP requires periodic renewal (every 6-12 months depending on household)

Set reminders: Your recertification date is on your SNAP letter - submit paperwork 2-4 weeks before deadline

Report changes: Changes in income, household size, or address must be reported (can affect benefit amount)

Financial Counseling

Free help budgeting and managing money.

Credit counseling agencies: Non-profit agencies offer free financial counseling (budgeting, debt management)

Community Action Agencies: Many offer financial literacy classes and one-on-one counseling

Find help: Search "[your city] financial counseling" or call 211

How to Help Others

If you're reading this to help others, here's how:

Donate Food

What food banks need most:

• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)
• Canned vegetables (low sodium if possible)
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Rice and dried beans
• Peanut butter
• Cereal (whole grain, low sugar)
• Cooking oil
• Baby formula and baby food
• Diapers (not food, but desperately needed)

Where to donate: Local food bank, food pantry, or Little Free Pantry

Check dates: Don't donate expired food

Donate Money

Cash donations go further than food.

Food banks can purchase food at wholesale prices - $1 donated = $8-10 worth of food for families

Donate to: Your local food bank (Feeding America network), mutual aid groups, or directly to families via community crowdfunds

Volunteer

Food banks always need volunteers:

• Sorting and packing food
• Distributing food at pantries
• Driving for food rescue or Meals on Wheels
• Helping with mobile distributions

Sign up: Contact your local food bank's volunteer coordinator

Organize

Fight for policy change:

• Contact your representatives about SNAP funding and benefit levels
• Support legislation strengthening safety net programs
• Oppose cuts to food assistance in budget proposals
• Vote for candidates who prioritize food security

Start a community fridge: Partner with local businesses to host free fridge

Start a Little Free Pantry: Build a weatherproof box, stock with non-perishables, share location on community social media

No One Should Go Hungry

The United States produces enough food to feed everyone. Food insecurity is a policy choice, not a scarcity problem.

While billionaires propose cutting SNAP from penthouses, 44 million Americans - including 13 million children - face food insecurity. The gap between the ruling class and working families has never been wider.

But here's what they can't cut: community. Mutual aid. Neighbors helping neighbors. The knowledge that we keep us safe.

If you need food, use every resource in this guide. You are not alone. These programs exist because people fought for them, and you have every right to use them.

If you can help others, do. Donate, volunteer, organize, vote. Food security is a collective project.

The safety net has holes. We patch them together.

Emergency Food Resource Hotlines

National Hotlines:

• 211: General food and emergency assistance (call or text)
• USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
• USDA Spanish Hunger Hotline: 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
• Feeding America: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• SNAP Hotline: 1-800-221-5689
• WIC: fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-state-agency-contacts
• Eldercare Locator (seniors): 1-800-677-1116
• Summer meals (text): Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304

Online Resource Finders:

• FindHelp.org: findhelp.org
• Benefits.gov: benefits.gov/benefit-finder
• Catholic Charities: catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help
• Mutual Aid Hub: mutualaidhub.org

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- Joe
Founder & Designer, Rogue Resistance
We keep us safe. Always.

When Policy Fails, Community Responds

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Final Disclaimer: Verify Current Status

This emergency resource guide reflects information as of October 29, 2025. The Oregon SNAP shutdown situation is changing rapidly. Before relying on any program, verify current status:

• Oregon SNAP status: Call 1-800-699-9075 or check Oregon.gov/SNAP
• Local food banks: Call ahead to confirm hours and availability
• Eligibility questions: Consult a licensed benefits counselor, not blog content

I am not a benefits counselor or attorney. This guide is a starting point, not professional advice.

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