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Governor Kotek welcomes judges’ rulings on SNAP benefits, but says: ‘We are still in a hunger emergency’

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Published 1:27 pm

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek welcomed two federal judges' rulings Friday that ordered the Trump administration to continue paying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits during the federal shutdown, but she added, "We are still in a hunger emergency."

SNAP aids roughly 42 million Americans, including more than 750,000 Oregonians, and is set to run out of funds starting on Saturday.

Kotek issued the following statement in a news release that continues below:

“The rulings today are a welcome development. However, I stay concerned about the suspension of SNAP benefits that starts tomorrow. Oregonians need help now, which is why I authorized $5 million earlier this week to assist our emergency food pantry network. We are still in a hunger emergency. The state must continue its emergency work because the federal government hasn’t given Oregon its money yet.

“I reiterate my call to President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins to use available discretionary funds immediately. Any appeal of this ruling would show that the Administration is allowing Americans to go hungry. The federal government should not delay or spend another penny elsewhere before the deadline provided by the court. More than 750,000 Oregonians shouldn't have to wait for court deadlines -- do it now.”

On Monday, Governor Kotek and elected leaders sent a letter to the USDA to demand use of available funds for SNAP benefits. On Wednesday, the governor declared a hunger emergency and authorized use of $5 million in available TANF carryover funds for emergency food boxes. On Thursday morning, she joined 22 governors in signing a letter demanding available contingency funds be distributed.

The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services is regularly updated for anyone in need. Go to needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. People can also call 2-1-1 for referral information.

About SNAP in Oregon
SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to provide updates to the public through:

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

Sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.

News release from Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield:

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Applauds Court Rulings Blocking SNAP Cuts During Shutdown
AG Rayfield: “These decisions are a reminder that following the law and common decency still matter.”

Salem, OR – Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield today praised two federal court rulings that protect access to food assistance for millions of Americans – including hundreds of thousands of Oregonians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed their families. The decisions, issued in separate cases, block the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to suspend or curtail SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown.

Earlier today, a court in Massachusetts issued an order in the multistate lawsuit filed by Attorney General Rayfield and the attorneys general of 24 other states, and the District of Columbia. The court gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) until Monday to present a plan to continue at least partial funding of the program.

“Today’s ruling sends a message that no administration can use hunger as a political weapon,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in our country’s history. No Oregon family should have to wonder how they’ll eat because of a government shutdown. These decisions are a reminder that following the law and common decency still matter.”

Almost simultaneously, a federal court in Rhode Island granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a separate lawsuit—filed by a coalition of local governments, faith-based and nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and labor groups represented by Democracy Forward and the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island—requiring the administration to use contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits while that case proceeds.

In the multi-state case out of Massachusetts, the court found that the states are likely to succeed on their claim that the USDA acted unlawfully by suspending SNAP during the shutdown. The court directed the federal government to notify the court by Monday, November 3, whether they will make available contingency or discretionary funds to pay partial or full benefits while the case continues.

In the Rhode Island case, the court concluded that the administration likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act and federal appropriations law when it refused to use available funds to fund SNAP during the shutdown and, additionally, abruptly terminated work-requirement waivers in high-unemployment areas without lawful authority.

SNAP currently provides food assistance to roughly one in six Oregonians, generating over $1 billion annually in federal food purchasing power that supports local grocers, farmers, and food producers statewide.

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