State Support For Essential Food Assistance Programs
State Support For Essential Food Assistance Programs
STATE SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Among our wins this session is significant state support for Oregon food assistance programs:
✅Free Meals at 200 Additional Schools
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, new funding will allow an additional 200 schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students — without filling out complex applications through the federal Community Eligibility Provision.
Oregon Food Bank led this effort with our friends at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. And though we hoped to join six other states that have committed to universal school meals, this significant investment means that 3 out of 4 Oregon schools will be able to offer meals to all students! This is important progress toward our ultimate goal — and supports working parents and reducing hunger, lunch debt and stigma along the way.
✅Ongoing Funding for Double-Up Food Bucks
The legislature approved $4.2 million for the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which matches SNAP dollars for fresh produce and veggie starts at many farmers markets, CSAs, and independent and culturally-specific grocers. The program ensures families can access double the amount of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
Oregon Food Bank has led efforts to expand Double Up to dozens of new grocery stores in all corners of the state, and we’re excited to launch a new outreach campaign this year to spread the word about this vital resource to even more communities.
The Oregon Food Bank Network provides vital support for more than a million people facing food insecurity each year. Yet we know we can’t end hunger for good through food alone — we have to address the policies and systems that drive poverty in our communities. Sign up to stay informed on state and federal policies that will help eliminate hunger at its roots!
