For immediate release: Oct. 23, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Multnomah County Communications, pressoffice@multco.us
Traci Muldoon, Department of County Human Service, 971-806-2627
NEWS RELEASE: Federal shutdown impacts SNAP benefits for Multnomah County residents
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and make a plan for food resources
Multnomah County, Ore. (Oct. 23, 2025) — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) announced Monday that nearly 757,000 Oregon residents who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could lose food stamps for the month of November if the federal government shutdown persists.
This would impact over 143,000 SNAP participants in Multnomah County, representing approximately $6 million in monthly grocery benefits that help these families put food on the table.
SNAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has halted operations due to the current federal shutdown. On Oct. 10, 2025, the USDA notified states of its direction to pause the distribution of SNAP benefits for November as a result of the federal government shutdown. This comes on top of congressional changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements that ODHS notified recipients of this past month.
Multnomah County administers SNAP benefits for Multnomah County residents, ranging from youth and families to people with disabilities, veterans and seniors who may struggle to make ends meet at any point during the year. We share deep empathy and concern for the effects this potential delay will have on residents who depend on SNAP food assistance to feed their households.
“Nearly one in five Multnomah County residents depends on SNAP food assistance to help meet their basic human needs,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “These are families. Children. It’s unconscionable for the federal government to shut off this critical resource. We need action now, and remain committed to working with all partners to reduce hardship and food insecurity.”
A federal halt in SNAP benefits will not only diminish an essential food benefit for already struggling residents; it will also force families to make difficult choices between paying for food, rent or utilities.
Food insecurity isn’t just an economic issue — it can also have physical impacts. Skipping meals can contribute to or exacerbate physical and mental health conditions, increase fatigue, impair cognition, and amplify depression and anxiety. For older adults, consistent limited food intake may lead to reduced muscle mass and increased risk of falls.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and make a plan for food resources. The Oregon Food Bank is strongly encouraging those who are able to donate or volunteer and support other food efforts. Please note the information and links below.
Multnomah County encourages SNAP participants in the County to:
- Continue applying for and using their current SNAP benefits.
- Follow the updated SNAP rules and reporting requirements.
- Stay informed by following or subscribing to the Oregon Department of Human Services communication channels.
- Sign up for a ONE Online account at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case.
- Explore emergency food assistance-related resources, including:
- Local food assistance programs in Multnomah County
- Locations to get free groceries and meals through the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder
- A list of Oregon- and Southwest Washington-based social service and support organizations through 211info by calling 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211 or visiting 211info.org
Older adults and those with disabilities are also encouraged to call Multnomah County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) hotline at 503-988-3646 or visit the ADRC website for more information about free meal sites and home-delivered meals that may be available.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps nearly 18% of Oregon households buy groceries and meet their basic needs, and is accepted at 650 retailers across Multnomah County. 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.
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