Dear Editor:
In the past 24 hours, we’ve learned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed by the federal government for November 2025 if the weeks-long government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
This will further impact thousands of Oregon families, many of whom already rely on Food for Lane County and their local food pantries for supplemental support.
Beyond the disruption to SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, Nov. 1 also marks the beginning of new, severe limitations to SNAP eligibility announced by the federal government. Some seniors, families, refugees here legally, and many others will no longer be able to rely on SNAP.
“Without SNAP benefits, I wouldn’t get by. Food for Lane County and free food pantries help by filling in when my food stamps run low,” a Lane County SNAP recipient told me.
Food for Lane County is always ready to help our neighbors. However, due to recent reductions in food supply programs at the federal level, we are already struggling to meet current need levels, and we’re very concerned we will see significantly increased demand starting Nov. 1.
I’m writing to you today because your generosity is the backbone of our work. Can you help us meet this current challenge? Your gift today will help Food for Lane County meet the increased demand for food and keep us from turning away families whose benefits are being withheld through no action of their own.
Please donate today at secure.foodforlanecounty.org/a/snap. Thank you for helping us provide food to everyone who needs it.
Carolyn Stein,
Executive Director
Food for Lane County
