[Self-sufficiencypartners] Federal Shutdown and SNAP

[Barta James]

Good afternoon,

I apologize for any duplication, but we are seeking to get this information out as soon as possible.

As the federal government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) wants to make sure everyone is aware that Oregon will not be issuing November SNAP food benefits unless federal funding resumes.
 
In these uncertain times for food benefits, organizations like yours play a critical role. We are writing to ask your help ensuring that Oregonians have access to the care, information and supports they need. Your deep connections within communities and your commitment to equity, compassion and service make you a trusted lifeline for individuals and families navigating difficult times.

ODHS has resources that may be helpful. Our hope is that your organization can use them to reach every individual in Oregon who needs them.

The starting point is the ODHS Federal Government Shutdown webpage<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx>. Most pages are also available in Spanish and can be found from the English pages by clicking the Español button near the upper right. On this webpage you will find up to date information, including documents that are available in 11 languages.

  *   Flyers<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/shutdown-flyer-en.pdf>
  *   Wallet cards<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/shutdown-wallet-card-en.pdf>
  *   FAQs<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/nov-shutdown-faq-en.pdf>

We also have this Ready-to-publish article<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/documents/nov-shutdown-article-en.docx> that can be shared in your newsletters or email communications. It is also available in multiple languages on our website.
 
Additional food resources can be found at Needfood.oregon.gov<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx> and alimentos.oregon.gov<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/es/alimentos/pages/default.aspx>.

When the federal government is reopened or provides funding for SNAP, it will be important to remember that benefits cannot be issued immediately. There are administrative processes that must take place, but they will be issued as soon as possible.
 
On October 23, ODHS hosted a webinar to describe the impact on SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown and H.R. 1. You can watch the video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etqd0_fcP3E> and review the slide deck<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/snap-community-partner-presentation-2025-10-23.pdf> by following the links.
  
Key State Actions
Governor Kotek announced three key actions on Oct. 29, 2025 in a news release<https://mailchi.mp/oregon/governor-kotek-demands-immediate-usda-action-to-protect-food-assistance-for-757000-oregonians-during-federal-shutdown-6250056?e=dc25b0f284>:

  *   Food Emergency Declaration: The Governor has declared a food emergency to ensure the state can use all available resources to keep food flowing. The ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) will lead the agency response in coordination with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM).
  *   $5 Million in Emergency Food Funding: ODHS will release $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to support Oregon’s network of food banks. This will help food banks purchase and distribute food and sustain local operations. This action will not affect Oregon’s ability to issue monthly TANF benefits on time for November. TANF families will receive their November benefits.
  *   Statewide Call to Action: The Governor is encouraging all in Oregon to come together by donating to their local food pantry or the Oregon Food Bank, contributing to “Blue Bag” food collection bins at grocery stores, and volunteering in their communities.

Notices relating to H.R. 1
The first batch of mailed notices relating to SNAP eligibility changes went out October 15. You can access copies of the notices within the ODHS Updates about Federal Pages webpage<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/federal-updates.aspx>. The individual notices are found within the "SNAP Eligibility:" sections and linked below. Other notices are still being sent out as changes in eligibility and renewals occur.

  *   Energy Assistance Allowance mailed notice<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/hr1-liheap-reduction-en.pdf>
  *   Refugees, Asylees and Other Lawfully Present Immigrant mailed notices:
     *   Benefit reduction notice<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/hr1-non-cit-reduction-en.pdf>
     *   Benefit closure notice<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/hr1-non-cit-closure-en.pdf>
  *   Work Rules for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) mailed notice<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Documents/hr1-new-abawd-en.pdf>

Other helpful Resources External FACT News:

  *   Governor’s Office Press Release<https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/governor-kotek-demands-immediate-usda-action-to-protect-food-assistance-for-757000-oregonians-during-federal-shutdown> from October 27, 2025 
  *   Governor’s Office Press Release<https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/trump-administration-notifies-states-that-snap-benefits-not-coming-in-november> from October 20, 2025  

Stay in Touch:
As new information becomes available, ODHS will be sending out newsletters, news alerts, and updating our social media. If you don’t currently receive those, you can sign up here:

  *   Sign up for the ODHS Community Newsletter<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDHS/subscriber/new?topic_id=ORDHS_833>
  *   Sign up for ODHS news alerts<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/default.aspx>
  *   Follow ODHS official social media<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/social-media.aspx>

Please also feel free to reach out to me directly with questions. You can also email the ODHS Community Engagement team here: communitypartners at odhsoha.oregon.gov<mailto:communitypartners at odhsoha.oregon.gov>.

This is a challenging moment for our state, but Oregon has a strong network of public, private and community partners who show up for one another. Thank you for your tireless work to help ensure that no one in Oregon goes hungry. Together, we will get through this.


James Barta (he/him)
Engagement Strategies Coordinator
Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP)
Cell: 503 507-4454
james.barta at odhs.oregon.gov<mailto:james.barta at odhs.oregon.gov>
ONE Partner Resources<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/benefits-eligibility/Pages/default.aspx>
[Oregon Department of Human Services logo.]


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