A response to Oregon’s 2025 Legislative Session from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

We are deeply disappointed with the results from Oregon’s legislative session and mourning the devastating impact these choices will have on Oregon families. Oregon’s lawmakers had a choice to protect our communities from growing hunger and economic hardship, and instead they turned away. We are outraged by their inaction and mourning the harm their decisions will cause across our state.

The legislature was offered the opportunity to pass vital policy priorities providing access to food and basic needs in our communities — including Food For All Oregonians, School Meals for All and the Student Basic Needs Package. All of these bills easily passed through their committees with bipartisan support, yet were cut when they reached Ways & Means, not even making it to the House and Senate floors for a vote.

At a time when need is higher than ever—when 1 in 8 Oregonians is facing hunger, food banks are overwhelmed with need, and tens of thousands are at risk of losing essential food assistance due to looming federal cuts—our state had the power and responsibility to act to protect Oregonians, and they failed to do so. 

At the same time, we are deeply grateful and proud of the power and persistence of our community. Thousands of people emailed and called their legislators, and scores of advocates gathered to demand action at our state’s capitol. We built long-term momentum, strengthened visions and relationships, and the fight will continue.

Oregon’s legislators heard our stories, read our letters, saw the data, and still denied Oregonians what they need. We are confounded by these choices. We are especially frustrated with the process led by Ways & Means co-chairs Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Tawna Sanchez. Our legislative champions for food justice worked hard to elevate these issues, but the doors were closed. Despite thousands of Oregonian’s demands, critical policies were quietly shut down behind closed doors.

This session was defined by extreme political caution at the very moment bold action was most needed. But in times of crisis, Oregonians deserve better. We deserve leadership that fights for us, especially when times are hard. 

While we are frustrated, we are not defeated. We will keep organizing, building power, and holding our leaders accountable. Let’s take time to rest, and then prepare for the next chapter to come.