An Oregon task force has unveiled its plan to push back against federal cuts to food assistance.
More than 300,000 Oregonians have lost or had their SNAP benefits reduced since the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” last July.
Jessica Morris, a member of the steering committee for the Oregon Hunger Task Force, said the state is not ready to step in when federal food programs like SNAP fall short.
“How do we create a more resilient food network so that regardless of what is happening with legislation and whoever is in administration, that we can ensure that no Oregonian goes hungry?” Morris asked.
The task force’s agenda includes a one-time allocation to support food banks and pantries across the state, legislation to reduce barriers to apply for food benefits and making school meals free for all students.
Morris pointed to research showing students do better in school when they’re fed, and there is less stigma if everybody gets a free meal. She added the meals must meet specific nutritional guidelines.
“No matter where you live, there are children that don’t have access to food,” Morris emphasized. “When they get home, they don’t have any food.”
Roughly one in six Oregonian children experienced food insecurity during the most recent reporting period, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nearly 95% of Oregon public schools already provide free school meals for all students following recent changes to income eligibility and Morris stressed the task force aims to close the remaining gap.
