Halfway through session: Let’s get Oregon’s anti-hunger priorities across the finish line

Hunger remains at crisis levels in Oregon — and with the 2025 legislative session at its halfway point, we’re reflecting on what’s been done and what’s still ahead.

Last year, our network of more than 1,200 food assistance sites saw 2.5 million visits — a staggering 31% increase from the year before. One in eight people, and one in six children, in Oregon live in households that struggle to afford food. As food and housing costs continue to rise, families are forced to make impossible choices between paying the rent and putting meals on the table.

Cuts from the USDA are making this work even harder. Thirty truckloads of food — enough to feed thousands of Oregonians — have already been canceled, with 10 more set to be lost each month starting this summer. These cuts come on top of reductions to programs that support farmers and schools. It’s difficult to understand why, at a time when hunger is rising and food costs remain high, federal officials are pulling back support. Yet here we are.

Oregon needs bold leadership to meet the moment

With hunger rising and federal resources under threat, we’re looking to the state legislature for strong, steady action. At Oregon Food Bank, we know food banking alone won’t end hunger — which is why we support bold investments and policy choices that meet this moment.

What we’re advocating for in the 2025 legislative session

Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit (HBs 2958, 2991)
✅ Hearings held; HB 2991 passed in Committee
Next Step: 🎯 House Revenue Committee

Oregon’s Earned Income Credit helps working families who are struggling to afford food and housing. In recent years, the average federal credit claimed was $2,000 — and closer to $3,000 for families with kids. Strengthening this program means more stability for people facing economic insecurity.

Community Resilience Hubs & Networks (HB 3170)
✅ Passed in Committee
Next Step: 🎯Ways and Means (Budget) Committee

These hubs provide critical support during crises — like food, water, electricity, and shelter — and build long-term community resilience.

Justice Reinvestment Equity Program (contained in HB 5005)
✅ Hearing held as part of a budget bill
Next Step: 🎯Ways and Means (Budget) Committee

This program holistically addresses high rates of food insecurity among Oregonians who have been incarcerated and survivors of harm. It provides housing, reentry services, behavioral health supports, and survivor assistance to support safe and stable communities.

The Oregon Hunger Response Fund (contained in SB 5526)
✅ Hearing held
Next Step: 🎯Ways and Means (Budget) Committee

This fund is a lifeline for our communities. It supports 20 Regional Food Banks, supplying 1,200+ food distribution partners with fresh, locally sourced produce, dairy, protein and pantry staples – making sure families have access to nourishing, culturally relevant food. We know that the need for food assistance continues to grow, and federal USDA disruptions have already occurred.

Double Up Food Bucks (contained in SB 5526)
✅ Hearing held
Next Step: 🎯Ways and Means (Budget) Committee

Double Up Food Bucks connects SNAP participants with Oregon-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, CSAs and grocery stores. Since 2016, the program has generated nearly $19 million in combined SNAP and Double Up sales — boosting access to fresh food and supporting local farms.

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