SPRINGFIELD – Lane County Health & Human Services (LCHS) was notified last week that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not be allocated should the federal government shutdown continue past Oct. 31.
Roughly 75,000 individuals in Lane County use SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Without these benefits, these individuals won’t have enough money or food to feed their families.
In response to a potential delay, the Springfield Municipal Court’s SMART Court team has launched a food drive to support clients and families currently participating in addiction recovery programs.
The food drive is active now through Monday, Nov. 4. All donations will directly benefit individuals working through the SMART Court program, many of whom are facing food insecurity during this time.
Community members are invited to donate non-perishable food items or sponsor a food basket.
Donation Drop-Off Locations include Springfield Municipal Court Office, 230 4th St. and Quality Research Associates at 288 Mill St., Unit M2.
“This food drive is another example of the SMART Court team’s dedication to uplifting individuals and families as they rebuild their lives,” said mayor Sean VanGordon in a news release. “Recovery takes a community, and Springfield continues to show what support looks like in action.”
LCHS is also urging community members to donate food or money to Food for Lane County (FFLC).
“The support some of our most vulnerable community members rely on to make ends meet is eroding,” said Eve Gray, Lane County Health & Human Services director. “We have an opportunity now as a community that cares for each other to come together and help soften this blow to the health of our people.”
While SNAP benefits typically aren’t sufficient to meet all a family’s or an individual’s nutritional needs, they are vital to help ensure that individuals, especially children, have what they need to eat a balanced diet. The downstream effects of going without a balanced diet, even for days or weeks, can be significant on an individual’s health, especially a developing child.
“This development has me worried about the health of our families in Lane County,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “I know I’m not the only one concerned and I sincerely hope that collective concern will lead to action.”
Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County-owned properties.
“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.
- For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:
foodforlanecounty.org/food/free-food-finder/ - Those interested in donating can do so by visiting:
foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.
