Legislation to extend food assistance to more than 62,000 Oregonians facing hunger inching closer to becoming law — with bipartisan support.

Salem, OR — On April 12, 2023, over 100 advocates from across Oregon (including Medford, Ontario, Tillamook and Portland) gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to advocate for SB 610, Food for All Oregonians, making it the largest lobby day in Oregon this session. In over 40 meetings with state legislators, advocates made clear the need to pass this vital piece of legislation. The Food for All Oregonians campaign envisions an Oregon where all people have access to food no matter where we’re born.

The lobby day was organized by a coalition of over 100 community-based organizations across Oregon, committed to ending hunger and its root causes in the state. The day included meetings with lawmakers and a call to action for all Oregonians to support the Food for All Oregonians bill. Petrona Dominguez Francisco, Adelante Mujeres Leadership & Advocacy Program coordinator says:

“We are thrilled with the turnout for today’s lobby day. We know that food is medicine and that food is the most important element alongside water. By addressing food insecurity and food accessibility we can foresee a ripple effect on other socio-economic issues that we see in our communities, such as mental health and climate change… That is why I am asking and encouraging everyone to support [SB610].”

SB 610 has been gaining momentum in the state legislature, with bipartisan support. If passed, the bill would extend food assistance to more than 62,000 Oregonians facing hunger. Kapiolani Micky, Community Health Worker at Micronesian Islander Community, advocated in support of SB 610 and shared her experience as a COFA citizen.

“I remember when I first moved here, I made sure my kids ate first, and if they had leftovers then I would eat. I don’t want that to happen in other families, but I know that there are other families out there that would do anything just to save food for their children and family.”

Micronesian Islander Community is one of the seven organizations that make up the steering committee for Food for All Oregonians.

The success of the Food for All Oregonians lobby day demonstrates the widespread support for SB 610 and the urgent need to end hunger and its root causes. For more information on the Food for All Oregonians campaign and how to get involved, visit FoodForAllOR.org.