Oregon households who receive SNAP, lost food due to winter storms, outages may be eligible for replacement benefits
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the recent winter storms and power outages are encouraged to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Households who receive SNAP who lost or disposed of food that was unsafe to eat due to these events can request that replacement benefits be issued for the cost of the lost food. The maximum amount that can be reimbursed is the normal monthly benefit for the household.
Replacement benefits must be requested within 10 calendar days of the food loss by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: Oregon.beenefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households’ existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
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From Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon:
Oregon Households Encouraged to Recover SNAP Food Losses from Recent Winter Storm
Replacement benefits must be requested within ten days
PORTLAND, OR — In the aftermath of extreme weather and record power outages, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon urges Oregonians that use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to act quickly. Individuals who had to throw food away due to storms or power disruptions have ten days to request replacement benefits from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
“Many Oregonians are in crisis right now, and it’s crucial that vulnerable households have the support they need,” says Sarah Weber-Ogden, Co-Executive Director at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “When you are struggling to feed your family, losing food to power outages is demoralizing, even more so when it comes at a time with additional disruptions and barriers. We want people to know that this resource is available.”
SNAP recipients facing food loss may request replacement benefits from ODHS for up to ten days from the loss via email, phone, mail, or in-person. Users will be asked to submit a list of the food lost and the estimated cost of each. Reimbursements will be added to their current EBT card once processed. Reimbursements cannot exceed the user’s regular monthly allotment.
To apply for replacement SNAP benefits:
- Email oregon.benefits@odhs.oregon.gov
- Call ODHS at 800-699-9075
- Visit or mail request to a local ODHS office
“Oregon is in a continued hunger crisis, and SNAP is a vital support for our communities,” says Weber-Ogden. Currently, 1 in 6 Oregonians relies on SNAP to buy the food they need to live.
“You are entitled to having your food replaced and having the support in doing so during this challenging time,” shares Alley Williams, member of the SNAP Client Advisory Board at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
For immediate need, Oregonians are invited to call 2-1-1 or visit foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org for information on accessing food.
ABOUT PARTNERS FOR A HUNGER-FREE OREGON
At Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, we work alongside those most impacted by hunger and poverty to advocate for systemic changes and better access to food. We believe everyone has the right to be free from hunger. To bring that vision into reality, we raise awareness about hunger, connect people to nutrition programs, and advocate for systemic changes.
