Building a statewide movement to pass Food for All Oregonians

Ali Ibrahim and Layla Assem of Somali Oregon Service Center in Portland, Oregon know the reality of hunger in immigrant and refugee communities:

“When someone is hungry, we don’t look at immigration status or where they’re from,” said Ali. “I believe that no matter who you see, no matter what nationality, you have to help them. Maybe today I’m helping you, maybe tomorrow I need your help. I don’t know when my time will come.”

Sylvia Ixta, an Oregon Food Bank Food Systems Ambassador in Ontario, Oregon, sees the contradiction firsthand:

“It makes no sense to me. We can offer immigrants medical and dental insurance, but they’re not eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until they’ve been residents for five years. I understand that everybody deserves access to medical care, but food is the most basic human right there is.”

Caleb Butler of Portland Open Bible Community Pantry has worked directly with families facing food insecurity:

“I was alarmed to find organizations that have the ability, but not the capacity to cast a wider net in their area. As someone who grew up living paycheck to paycheck and often unable to have basic necessities, I understand firsthand the importance of compassion from strangers... What would be helpful is if corporations and individuals would give not just what they are comfortable with, but to reimagine and reevaluate what resources they can give. Providing food addresses the issues of today, but what is also needed is a solution to the root causes of hunger.”

An advocate from Eugene, Oregon who asked to remain anonymous to protect their safety, highlights the broader implications of SB 611:

“The power of families sharing meals together creates lasting positive impacts on children’s mental health. But when some families and children are locked out of SNAP based on immigration status, it reinforces prejudices. Aren’t we taught to sit as a family and eat together for at least one meal a day? What does that look like when some members qualify for SNAP while others are excluded, leaving entire families struggling to put enough food on the table? This campaign isn’t just about food — it’s about fairness.” (read more in Eugene Weekly at the link here)

Stephanie Barr, Executive Director of Lift Urban Portland (Lift UP), sees the direct impact of hunger every day:

“Food is a fundamental human right, and alleviating hunger is a community-wide responsibility. When COVID-era investments in SNAP were eliminated, the number of people accessing our pantry increased by 30% within a few months. Food for All Oregonians will ensure tens of thousands of Oregonians left out of SNAP, including asylum seekers, immigrants, and refugees, have access to our country’s most effective anti-hunger program for the first time… When our neighbors have the food they need, our entire Portland community thrives.”