Oregon Households Encouraged to Recover SNAP Food Losses from Recent Winter Storm
Replacement benefits must be requested within ten days

PORTLAND, OR — In the aftermath of extreme weather and record power outages, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon urges Oregonians that use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to act quickly. Individuals who had to throw food away due to storms or power disruptions have ten days to request replacement benefits from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).


“Many Oregonians are in crisis right now, and it’s crucial that vulnerable households have the support they need,” says Sarah Weber-Ogden, Co-Executive Director at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “When you are struggling to feed your family, losing food to power outages is demoralizing, even more so when it comes at a time with additional disruptions and barriers. We want people to know that this resource is available.” 

SNAP recipients facing food loss may request replacement benefits from ODHS for up to ten days from the loss via email, phone, mail, or in-person. Users will be asked to submit a list of the food lost and the estimated cost of each. Reimbursements will be added to their current EBT card once processed. Reimbursements cannot exceed the user’s regular monthly allotment.

To apply for replacement SNAP benefits:

“Oregon is in a continued hunger crisis, and SNAP is a vital support for our communities,” says Weber-Ogden. Currently, 1 in 6 Oregonians relies on SNAP to buy the food they need to live.

“You are entitled to having your food replaced and having the support in doing so during this challenging time,” shares Alley Williams, member of the SNAP Client Advisory Board at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “You don’t have to go through this alone.” 

For immediate need, Oregonians are invited to call 2-1-1 or visit foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org for information on accessing food. 

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PHOTO CAPTION A:

SNAP benefits can be used at retail locations like grocery stores, farmer’s markets and CSA boxes. 

Photo courtesy of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

PHOTO CAPTION B:

Many Oregon families will have to replace lost food due to the power outages, while also managing other barriers like impeded transportation. 

Photo courtesy of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon


ABOUT PARTNERS FOR A HUNGER-FREE OREGON

At Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, we work alongside those most impacted by hunger and poverty to advocate for systemic changes and better access to food. We believe everyone has the right to be free from hunger.  To bring that vision into reality, we raise awareness about hunger, connect people to nutrition programs, and advocate for systemic changes.

www.oregonhunger.org