As we enter election season, it’s crucial to recognize the alarming rise in food insecurity affecting Oregonians. According to the recent USDA household food security report, food insecurity rates in our state jumped from 9.2% in 2018-2020 to 12% from 2021-2023. This means over 400,000 people, including many children, are struggling to afford groceries or are skipping meals altogether. The increase is attributed to the high cost of living and the end of pandemic-era assistance programs that previously supported families in need.

You have the opportunity this month to impact Oregonians facing food insecurity and set our state up for success.


What You Can Do

Vote For Anti-Hunger Champions

It is crucial that we elect leaders who listen to the voices of those most affected by food insecurity and prioritize anti-hunger policies to ensure that government actions are responsive to real needs. We need elected officials who recognize that addressing hunger requires sustained effort, not just quick fixes, and who will stand up and make the tough choices that bring change.

At the federal level, there are currently proposals to cut SNAP and other benefits, and what happens next depends on who voters sent to Washington D.C. 

In Salem, legislators will have the opportunity expand universal free school meals and support for college students, as well as to establish NAP benefits for individuals currently excluded due to immigration status. What happens next depends on who voters sent to Salem.

Ask your candidates:

  • What food justice policies are you supporting?
  • Will you fight to expand free school meals to all Oregon students?
  • What is your stance on expanding SNAP benefits to those currently excluded due to immigration status?’
  • Will you advocate for college students’ basic needs security?

Who we elect matters. Make sure you know where your candidates stand on hunger before casting your ballot!

Vote NO on Measure 118

This election, a critical issue on the ballot is Measure 118, which could have harmful consequences for Oregon’s most vulnerable families. While we agree with its vision to provide financial rebates, the way it proposes to make that happen actually risks disqualifying families from essential public benefits like SNAP. The one payment from M118 can create cascading dismissals from vital benefits programs, which would cause struggling Oregonians to lose more than they gain.

Read more about our opposition to Measure 118.

Spread the word

Share what you’ve learned to friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of voting on issues that impact hunger and economic security.

Your voice and your vote matter. Over the years, we’ve seen the power of voting in building a transformative path forward for our communities. Let’s use our voices to build a future where no one has to struggle to put food on the table.