Why we need to protect SNAP

May 4, 2018 – A battle is waging in Congress over legislation that will affect millions of Americans who experience hunger. One of the core issues is funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). Some believe in expanding work requirements and others say access to the program should be limited.

In Oregon, approximately 645,000 people are enrolled in SNAP. A majority of those recipients are children, seniors and people with disabilities. Changes to the program would increase demands on local food banks, quickly reaching levels impossible to achieve through charitable donations.

Cuts to SNAP would mean farmers and retailers would see a loss of income, and in some cases stores may close or employees could lose their jobs. For every $1 spent in SNAP benefits, it generates approximately $1.79 in economic activity. This shows that SNAP is also an economic stimulus program, bringing in $80 million in federal nutrition funds each month to Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank advocates are closely monitoring the activity in Washington, D.C. and you can help. Visit oregonfoodbank.org/advocate and sign up for Action Alerts. You will receive emails to tell you when action is necessary.