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To contact me, please click here: Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear friends and neighbors,
You have probably seen the news of the government shutdown halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Oregonians. To give you a sense of the scale: 757,000 Oregonians (210,000 children and 130,000 seniors) depend on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs. Because of the shutdown, benefits were scheduled to end on Nov. 1. It appears that as of Oct. 31 a court order will allow these benefits to continue, at least in the short term, but there are still many unanswered questions (e.g. how long will this shutdown last?).
In this newsletter, I want to share updates on SNAP, highlight actions being taken at both the state and local level, and provide ways you can help support your neighbors in need.
As of Oct. 31, two federal judges have ruled that the Trump Administration must continue to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using contingency funds during the government shutdown. This is good news, but the situation is still unfolding. It's unclear how quickly benefits will reach families.
I continue to operate under the assumption that this problem still hasn't been solved permanently. This problem was created by the federal government and it is their responsibility to solve it. It is genuinely a national embarrassment that millions of children in America could go without food support. There’s just no excuse.
At the state level, Oregon will continue to step up and do what we can. Governor Kotek has declared a 60-day food security emergency and invested $5 million into the state’s food bank network. Many of my colleagues in the legislature are taking action at the community level through donations, volunteering, and local support.
I encourage everyone who can to donate, volunteer, or support their local food pantry. I’m grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers at food pantries and soup kitchens across Oregon who are stepping up to help families through this challenging time. Their jobs could be about to get a lot more challenging – so let’s try to help them.
Packed with Pride
In 2020, I helped launch the Packed with Pride (PWP) food pantry to provide critical support for families during the pandemic. What was originally intended as a temporary program has now entered its fifth year, a testament to the ongoing need for food support in our community. Today, Packed with Pride serves Tigard-Tualatin School District families and other neighbors, operating as a full “food shopping model” pantry and proudly partnering with the Oregon Food Bank.
I dropped off some donations and took a tour of the facility with Margie Greene, who is responsible for the durability and success of PWP. Margie shared that last Tuesday, they served a record number of families, many bracing for a SNAP funding gap.
Margie, Kimmarie, and the team of volunteers at PWP are our local heroes. Their compassionate care for people who need help inspires me. They go to great lengths to ensure resources are available, accessible, and inclusive. From having bilingual volunteers, to culturally sensitive foods, to creating a dignified process for those seeking resources: they go above and beyond.
 
I asked Margie what she’d like to share with our community. She paused and then said: “It’s going to be tough. But we have to be kind to everyone and think of our neighbors.” I hope you will join me in this call.
Here’s how we can support this community resource:
- Monetary donations: The most flexible way to help, allowing Packed with Pride to cover operational costs and purchase food. For example, last week a freezer broke down, leaving the pantry with a significant repair bill, money that could otherwise go directly to feeding families. You can donate here!
- Food donations: These are deeply appreciated. Please coordinate ahead of time with the pantry to ensure smooth and safe drop-offs during their designated hours: volunteer@packedwithpride.org
- Volunteering: Giving your time is a powerful way to make an impact. To get involved, please contact Packed with Pride: volunteer@packedwithpride.org
Packed with Pride is open every Tuesday, 1pm - 3:30pm, and Thursday, 5pm-7:30pm, for shopping. Guests are welcome to shop once a week.
Packed with Pride is located at SW Bull Mountain Road, Tigard, 97224 at CTK Lutheran Church, across from the Shell gas station at Bull Mountain Road and Highway 99.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) continues to share updates as quickly as possible. Visit these ODHS web pages:
For SNAP participants:
- Check your EBT card balance regularly.
- Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements as required.
- Sign-up for a ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get messages about your SNAP case. This App also provides an additional layer of card security.
- Know where to find emergency food resources in your community:
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Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.
This is a moment for community, a time to come together and look out for one another. If you or someone you know needs help connecting with food resources, please feel free to share this newsletter with them or contact my office directly.
Ben Bowman
State Representative House District 25
House Majority Leader
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1425
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-295, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bowman
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