Client Bill of Rights
Now is the time for a Client Bill of Rights!
Some background
At Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, we have long documented disparate access to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) services based on race, ethnicity, and/or language. From the early 2000s through 2019, PHFO conducted annual documentation of customer services experiences at ODHS through “secret shopper” activities. Our data show that individuals that speak a language other than English or have a non-white racial/ethic identity were frequently asked to provide more documents than necessary or allowable to apply for SNAP within ODHS policy.
We partnered closely with ODHS on this work, highlighting findings and recommendations to address barriers. We stopped conducting this work in 2019 because for multiple years we consistently found the same barriers that disproportionately affected communities of color and non-English speakers, and government agencies did not take action to address and change the outcomes. We knew it was time for us to take a different approach and put matters into the community’s hands.
A community-led solution
Working closely with our SNAP Client Advisory Board (SNAP CAB), a group of dedicated community leaders who have lived experience of hunger and poverty, we created a set of expectations for how ODHS employees interact with clients that is based on the actual experiences and needs of those receiving services. Our goal is to present these expectations to the Oregon legislature and enact them as statute, so that every individual who walks through the doors at ODHS is treated fairly and equitably.
SNAP CAB members have universally experienced barriers and poor treatment when seeking services with ODHS, many because of their race, ethnicity, gender, and disability. Board members are deeply connected to their community and witness many who need critical resources encountering trauma and barriers that prevent them from easily accessing supports they need. These experiences were only made worse during the pandemic, as limited in-person access to critical services and changes to ODHS systems – including a new online portal and call center– have starkly limited access.
That’s where the community came in. During the summer of 2021, SNAP CAB created a statewide survey that was distributed to individuals who were currently or had formerly accessed SNAP benefits. We asked survey recipients what their experience with ODHS was like and what they would like to see change. The survey was completed by individuals from all corners of Oregon and the findings were clear: survey results confirmed a need to address customer service and inequitable access through a client bill of rights. From there, the Client Bill of Rights campaign was born.
The Client Bill of Rights
The campaign envisions all Oregonians seeking food benefits are welcomed, supported, and provided with transparency while seeking assistance from Oregon Department of Human Services. To do this, we will present a bill to the Oregon legislature that makes the following asks of ODHS:
- Centers clients’ rights by being trauma-informed and receiving trauma-informed training
- Create a supportive and welcoming environment, providing clear information (in requested languages) and transparency on benefit decisions
- Make community-requested updates to their existing Client Bill of Rights, and visibly posting the Client Bill of Rights in all ODHS offices.
- ODHS staff, administration, and processes are client-centered and client needs are prioritized.
We see the far reaching outcomes of a policy like this in place at ODHS that will establish metrics for good customer service and client access leading to increased uptake of programs, lower trauma during the application process, and equitable experiences for people of color, people who are gender non-confirming, and those with disabilities seeking ODHS services.
What we aim to accomplish
Our goal is to introduce this legislation during the 2025 Oregon legislative session. We will be speaking with legislators about the importance of creating a Client Bill of Rights and will seek out sponsors. We will continue to work with community and people that have lived expertise in hunger and poverty to ensure that those who would be most impacted by this legislation are leading the way.
Want to get engaged with this campaign?
Learn more about the SNAP Client Advisory Board
SNAP and Immigration
Immigration status affects SNAP eligibility. Learn the facts to make sure you and your family have access to the food you need.
SNAP is no longer considered for Public Charge. The Biden Administration has ended the Trump-era public charge policy. We applaud all the litigators and plaintiffs, advocates and community members who worked to make this happen!
The general SNAP eligibility rule for non-U.S. citizens requires legal residents to have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. However, there are many exceptions for certain populations such as refugees, victims of trafficking, and asylum recipients.
Here is a table that helps breakdown SNAP eligibility for non-U.S. citizens.
Immigration Status
SNAP
LPR* (18 and over)
Eligible (after 5-year bar or qualifying work history)
LPR (under 18)
Eligible
LPR (Pregnant Women)
Eligible (after 5-year bar or qualifying work history)
Refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking, certain others
Eligible
Those without documentation and DACA recipients (including children and pregnant women)
Not Eligible
* LPR stands for “Legal Permanent Resident,” colloquially referred to as a green card. This table is an edited and simplified version of one published by the National Immigration Law Center, which can be found here.
Further Resources
Joint letter on Public Charge from USDA and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Know the Facts on Public Charge (updated 2/14/22) from Oregon Law Center, Causa and Oregon Latino Health Coalition
Oregon Law Center page on Public Charge, available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Pashto and Dari.
Federal Rule Statuses
Wondering about the status of federal rule changes that affect people experiencing hunger and poverty?
The Trump administration has been targeting people living in poverty by seeking cuts to food assistance through changes in administrative rules. This allows them to subvert Congress, the will of the people, and decades of precedence. These rules in total will cut one in six Oregonians off of SNAP and Oregon would lose $144 million in food assistance.
We have compiled all of the proposed and announced rules and where they are in the process of becoming law. Check back here for updates as we get them.
Public Charge
This rule imposes racist wealth tests on immigrants and would penalize certain categories of immigrants who receive SNAP, and other specific benefit programs, when applying for legal permanent residency. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019, but was delayed by an injunction in late 2019. The Supreme Court set aside the injunction in late January 2020. Our latest update is available here.
STATUS: In effect nationwide for benefits received after February 24, 2020 except in Illinois.
ABAWD Time Limits
This rule sets new time limits on SNAP for adults, ages 18-49, who are facing challenges finding employment, with enforcement even in high-unemployment areas. This will impose time limits in all but six Oregon counties, having devastating effects across the state. Read the latest update here.
STATUS: Scheduled to go into effect on April 1. Oregon, along with 14 other states, have filed a lawsuit, with the intent of halting this rule.
Categorical Eligibility
This rule requires states to meet unfair new requirements, including strict limits on assets and gross income, when determining SNAP eligibility. Up to 50,000 Oregon households would be cut off SNAP if this rule moves forward. This also ends automatic certification for school meals for tens of thousands of students. Learn more here.
STATUS: Public comments closed in November 2019, and a final rule could be issued in Spring or Summer 2020.
Standard Utility Allowance
This rule would limit the flexibility states have in determining the standard amount of utility costs that can be factored into the level of a household’s SNAP, which would reduce benefits for 43% of households in Oregon. This would result in a loss of $52 million statewide. Learn more here.
STATUS: Public comments closed in December 2019, and a final rule could be issued in Spring or Summer 2020.
SNAP Client Advisory Board
The SNAP Client Advisory Board works to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the expertise of program participants.
About the SNAP Client Advisory Board
The SNAP Client Advisory Board provides a brave space for past, present, and future SNAP participants to improve the program for SNAP recipients. The board exists to make changes, hold decision-makers accountable, and ensure there is equitable access to SNAP for all. We do this by working together with advocates, community organizations, and lawmakers.
This board is comprised of community leaders who have lived experience of hunger and poverty. These leaders have been on SNAP in the past or present. Board members are compensated through hourly stipends for time spent at meetings, trainings, and conducting work related to the board. Transportation assistance, childcare, and food are provided at all meetings.
The SNAP Client Advisory Board:
- Questions and assesses the impact and outcomes of rules, regulations, policies, structural and systemic change issues, and implementation of SNAP in Oregon.
- Works with advocates, program administrators, and legislative bodies to influence decision-making about SNAP in Oregon.
- Advocates for individuals and groups that are underrepresented and marginalized within SNAP.
- Highlights the successes and areas for improvement of SNAP in Oregon.
- Engages with SNAP participants out in the community to share their experiences, expertise, and needs.
SNAP Client Advisory Board Members
Angela
Celia
Alley
Sandi
LaTonya
Resource Center
County Fact Sheets
1 in 7 Oregonians struggles with finding and being able to afford enough food to stay healthy. Learn about the issue of hunger in your county.
Additional Resources
Learn more about SNAP outreach
Dive into our online SNAP training modules
Get SNAP Outreach Materials
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon (PHFO) and DHS produce original materials for SNAP Outreach.
Lorem ipsum dolor
Sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nunc orci, hendrerit et hendrerit vitae, maximus a sapien.
Lorem ipsum dolor
Sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nunc orci, hendrerit et hendrerit vitae, maximus a sapien.
Lorem ipsum dolor
Sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nunc orci, hendrerit et hendrerit vitae, maximus a sapien.
Lorem ipsum dolor
Sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nunc orci, hendrerit et hendrerit vitae, maximus a sapien.
Older Populations
Older adults (60+) have the lowest SNAP participation rate in Oregon and across the country. Help more older adults connect to food assistance!
There are many reasons older adults participate at lower rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Barriers like not knowing what the program is and that it provides food assistance, misinformation about eligibility, difficulties with navigating the application process, or stigma affect older adult access. However Oregon has done a lot to simplify the application process, expand eligibility, and increase older adult access to SNAP.
How to Apply
The general application process and eligibility guidelines for older adults is the same as is found on our Apply for SNAP page
Older adults and people with disabilities can start the application process by simply calling their local Senior Service Office. Interviews can be done over the phone, in an office, home visit, or through an appointed representative.
Older Adult SNAP Details
When applying for SNAP, older adults have different options to consider with their application. Anyone who is at least 60 years old or has a disability can claim out of pocket medical costs on their SNAP application, which may mean they can qualify for more benefits; proof of these costs is required. Learn more about what are considered out-of-pocket medical expenses.
If an older adult lives with family they may be able to apply for SNAP on their own even if they are unable to purchase and prepare meals separately because of mobility difficulties. For those that may have trouble getting to the store, a trusted person is allowed to use their SNAP benefits for them. To make this happen, an alternate payee form can be filled out and turned in with an application or at any time.
For some older adults (65+) in Oregon, that live in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington Counties they can receive their SNAP benefits as a direct deposit, check or on an EBT card which allows for ease of use.
Further Assistance Through the Oregon Department of Human Services
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is the principal government human services agency of Oregon. ODHS helps Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. ODHS helps with food benefits, housing, foster care, development disabilities, senior services and many others.
Outreach and Resources
explains the program and addresses common misconceptions:
- SNAP is there when you need help buying food. Similar to social security, you have already paid into the program with your tax dollars, so it is there for you if you come across hard times.
- Many Oregonians use SNAP. There is enough for all who are eligible.
- SNAP is easy to use.
- SNAP helps the economy.
- English (PDF, 1MB)
- Russian (русский, PDF, 1MB)
- Spanish (español, PDF, 1MB)
- Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt, PDF, 1MB)
including organizations that provide application assistance, grocery delivery or other food and assistance programs:
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC)
- Call ADRC at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372)
- Send ADRC an online message
Hunger-Free Schools
Every Child Deserves a Healthy Start to the School Day
Our Vision for Hunger-Free Schools
We envision universal school meals for every child, where school meals are free for all K-12 students in Oregon and in every state.
Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Healthy meals at school help kids learn, grow, and thrive. But the reality is that too many kids in Oregon experience hunger and food insecurity. With one in every four children in the state of Oregon being food insecure, many families rely on school meals for their nutritional needs.
The Hunger-Free Schools initiative, launched in 2018, works to expand access to school meals through state and federal policy advocacy. Hunger-Free Oregon led the coalition expanding access to free school meals in the state, which was passed into law in 2019, making Oregon the national leader in school meal access. Today, we continue this work with continued state and federal advocacy for universal school meals.
Powerful Victories for Oregon Families
The Hunger-Free Schools campaign resulted in the passage of a comprehensive set of school meal policies, included in the 2019 Student Success Act, to significantly improve access to school meals for all students. We worked hard to ensure that the law was designed to benefit communities at the highest risk of hunger. Learn more about our 2019 Hunger Free Schools campaign.
The new investments to school meals are:
- More schools serving universal school meals: Oregon is supplementing the federal reimbursement for school meals so that more schools can opt into a program allowing them to provide all school meals free of charge (Community Eligibility Provision).
- More kids qualifying for free school meals: Students whose families earn between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty line (FPL) now qualify for meals served at no charge, an increase of 37% of food insecure families.
- Dramatic increases to Breakfast After the Bell: All schools with 70% or more students eligible for federal free or reduced price meals are now making free breakfast available to all students after the school day begins.
In 2023, Oregon legislation pass a historic investment in Oregon schools in House Bill 5014. HB 5014 included funding to support up to 3 out of 4 to qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision, and provide schools to provide universal school meals to all schoolchildren!
We look forward to supporting school districts in implementing the new option in the school year ’25-’25, and continuing to push for universal school meals for all Oregon students.
Resources for Communities
- One Pager: School Meal Eligibility Has Changed! Here’s what you Need to Know (2021)
- Report: Oregon School Meal Access during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Barriers, Best Practices, and Policy Recommendations (2021)
- Case Study: Hunger-Free Schools Campaign (2019)
Resources for School Meal Professionals
Take action to end hunger
Join Us in Ending Hunger
Finding Food Security
What does it mean to be food insecure?
“…food affects all aspects of our life…we don’t recognize it is taking a toll on these other aspects of our life until we have a discussion.”
Food insecurity continues to persist in Oregon, leaving many struggling to find enough to eat every month. Between 2013 and 2015, Oregon was the only state to see an increase in food insecurity and hunger, even as the national rate declined and Oregon’s economy grew.
We believe that our movement is stronger involving the real experts—people who have experienced hunger—in our research and decisions.
In 2016 and 2017, through 13 focus groups we interviewed 95 SNAP participants throughout Oregon asking the questions:
- What prevents SNAP participants from becoming food secure?
- How do SNAP participants obtain food security?
The results identified that multiple interventions at individual, interpersonal, perceived environment, personal environment, built environment and policy levels are most effective at improving food security for SNAP participants.
Finding food security across Oregon
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon recognizes that among those experiencing poverty some people are at far greater risk of hunger. Food insecurity disproportionately impacts communities of color, recent immigrants, families with children and particularly households led by single mothers, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community and people in rural areas of Oregon. In these focus groups, we strive to represent communities disproportionately impacted by hunger.
The results of this work in the Portland-Metro area during 2016 are also documented separately.
Take action to end hunger by speaking up
Grant Opportunities for Kids Meals
Funding opportunities for food and nutrition programs in Oregon. Check back for updates!

Summer and Afterschool Meals: Start-up and Expansion Grants
Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (ODE CNP)
For several years, the Oregon State Legislature has designated state funds for the expansion of summer and after school child nutrition programs. During the 2021-2023 biennium the Oregon Department of Education has approximately $518,000 available for At-Risk Afterschool, Seamless Summer Option and Summer Meal Programs Start-Up and Expansion grants. These funds are pass-through funds provided by the State of Oregon and administered by the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (ODE CNP).
Grant applications dates and materials can be found on the Department of Education website or by contacting Jeanie Stuntzner at [email protected]

Oregon School Wellness Awards
Oregon Department of Education
Each year ODE selects 3 winners of the School Wellness Award. These schools are exemplary for their outstanding implementation of school district wellness policy. As sponsor of the awards, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council provides $2,500 and a recognition banner for each winner.
The banners, a signed certificate and the cash award are presented at special assemblies held at winning schools. Visit the website link for details.

School Grants for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids
School Breakfast Grants: Awards from $500 – $3,000 are available to schools to support increased breakfast participation.
Game On Grants: Up to $1,000 available for schools for physical activity and nutrition initiatives that support schools in becoming nationally recognized as health-promoting.
More information about grant eligibility and application processes can be found on the Action for Healthy Kids website.

Fuel up to Play 60
Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council
Learn more about Fuel up to Play 60 funding opportunities here.
Contact Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council for information about customized district applications which can be created for two or more schools in a district. Contact Crista Hawkins at [email protected] with questions and interest.

New Books and Resources for Summer Meal Sites
Share Our Strength and First Book
Get brand new books into your program, just in time for summer learning! Thanks to support from C&S Wholesale Grocers, you can access $100 of free books from the First Book Marketplace! To choose your free books, all you have to do is sign up. Follow these steps to bring great books to your Summer Meals site.
- Sign up! Anyone serving kids from low-income families through a school, summer meal site, or other community organization is eligible to join.
- Visit the First Book Marketplace and check out the wide variety of resources available.
Grants do not appear to be offered at this time. Check their website for updates.
School Breakfast
Kids who eat breakfast do better at school
School Breakfast is a powerful tool. Good nutrition is essential to every student’s success: Hunger can impact every aspect of their lives physically, socially, and mentally.
Kids who eat breakfast at school do better on tests, attend class more often, feel less anxious and are calmer, have greater focus, and are more likely to graduate.
The problem: In Oregon, less than a third of all students are served breakfast on an average day.
The solution: Improving access by changing service models, engaging parents and students, and achieving great meal quality. Students do better when they start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Making breakfast a seamless part of the school day by changing how and when it is served so all students can access this important meal will have a huge impact on classrooms and schools.
Having breakfast at school ensures that all students get a nutritionally balanced start to their day, and supports greater health, cognition, and stronger participation in learning. Expanding breakfast access would also mean that many families experiencing a tight budget, non-traditional work hours, or a busy morning schedule, can be supported by the School Breakfast Program. Strong child nutrition programs also benefit School food nutrition departments financially, when they are able to reach more children with school breakfast; like options that feed all students at no charge, such as Provision 2 and Community Eligibility Provision, help yield federal reimbursement dollars to support strong programs and improve school meal quality.
Our motivation

The reality is that for many low-income families there are obstacles to providing a healthy morning meal each day. Prior to the Pandemic, 1 in 5 children were food insecure and 52% of students qualified for free and reduced priced meals in the state of Oregon. However, hunger rates in Oregon have heavily increased, and are reaching a low lower than the US average. Participation in the school breakfast program continues to be low. Only about 23 percent of all students participate in the School Breakfast Program, compared to the almost 50% who participate in the National School Lunch Program.
Barriers to Breakfast
In Oregon, the majority of schools serve School Breakfast before school starts and in the cafeteria. However, this traditional way of operating the school breakfast program doesn’t work for many students, and creates extra barriers for families who might have trouble accessing food.
Some common barriers include:
- Awareness. School lunch is well known, but families tend to hear less about school breakfast and their eligibility as it’s not always included in communications that are sent home
- Transportation or other access issues such as rushed morning schedules or buses not arriving in time for students to eat in the cafeteria before class
- Social stigma that eating breakfast at school is “only for low-income families”, especially amongst middle and high school students
- Lack of inclusivity of meals for different cultural groups or dietary needs
Strategies that move breakfast out of the cafeteria and into the classroom are the most successful at overcoming barriers to participation.
What is Free School Breakfast and how do I access it?
In Oregon, the majority of schools serve School Breakfast before school starts and in the cafeteria. However, this traditional way of operating the school breakfast program doesn’t work for many students, and creates extra barriers for families who might have trouble accessing food. The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides federal reimbursements to providers who operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. The program is administered at the Federal level by the USDA and at the State level by the Oregon Department of Education. More information about the School Breakfast Program is available here.
Over 315,000 kids are eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program, and yet only about 206,000 kids participate. In Oregon, around 273,000 students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, yet only 110,000 students are enrolled. You may be eligible for free school meals even if you weren’t in the past. Thanks to legislation passed in 2019, the income eligibility guidelines for families have been expanded, making all families making 300% of the federal poverty level eligible for free school meals in Oregon. Due to the pandemic, this process will be delayed until schools return to their normal in-person instruction/operations. Check in with your local school district for more details or on how to fill out a Free and Reduced Price meal application or fill out the application with the Oregon Department Of Education.
Want more information about free and reduced price school meals or interested in finding out if your family is eligible?
State Advocacy efforts: The Student Success Act
Oregon has been leading the nation in improving access to school meals. The Hunger-Free Schools provisions were signed into law by Governor Kate Brown on May 16, 2019 as part of the landmark Student Success Act, which addresses decades of disinvestment in Oregon’s schools. The Act has made a historic investment in school meals and will ensure no student goes hungry while at school, with provisions that address both the cost of meals and the way breakfast is served. Learn more at https://oregonhunger.org/hunger-free-schools/
The provision has three main components:
- It is expected to more than double the number of schools with universal free school meals. Kids at these schools will no longer feel singled out for eating school meals, and research shows eating school meals is great for student achievement
- For the remainder of public schools, Oregon has raised the income eligibility to 300% of the Federal Poverty Line. This matches eligibility for children’s health insurance to 300%. This will support families working paycheck-to paycheck who currently earn just too much to qualify for free school meals but still need assistance.
- Oregon has standardized the best practice of offering breakfast after the bell to students at schools with high rates of poverty. This means more students have access to school breakfast, which is linked to higher attendance and graduation rates, and higher incomes later in life.
If you are a school, site, or family who has been impacted by this legislation, please look below in the training and tools section or the success stories to learn more about different types of models. These changes were delayed by the COVID Pandemic and went into effect at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.
Over 310,000 Children
Over 310,000 Children
are eligible for free school breakfast, but only about 110,000 participate.
are eligible for free school breakfast, but only about 110,000 participate.
Help us connect more kids to school breakfast through the work of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
Additional Resources
In Oregon, the majority of schools serve School Breakfast before school starts and in the cafeteria. However, this traditional way of operating the school breakfast program doesn’t work for many children, as it can create unnecessary barriers for low-income families.
Schools that move breakfast out of the cafeteria and after the bell are the most successful at overcoming barriers to participation and School Breakfast Program participation increases exponentially. This way of serving breakfast is called the Breakfast After the Bell model. It makes breakfast participation convenient by serving it in places children can easily access — in classrooms, in hallway kiosks, or even later in the morning. The way schools serve breakfast is customizable and frequent methods include: Grab and Go, Second Chance, or Breakfast in the Classroom.
Over 100 schools in Oregon have successfully made the switch to serving breakfast after the bell.
Interested in revamping your school’s breakfast program?
The first step in changing the way your school serves breakfast is to evaluate what service model would work best for their students and staff.
Download the below materials for best practices, resources, and local partners for offering DIY or structured activities.
FRAC Alternative Models Fact Sheet
Funding opportunities for child nutrition programs in Oregon, especially around the School Breakfast Program.
Oregon Department of Education Grants
The Oregon State Legislature has designated state funds for the expansion of summer and after school child nutrition programs, which includes adding new sites, moving to hot meals and adding new types of meals, including breakfast. Application information and materials can be found on the Department of Education website, or by contacting ODE CNP Specialist Kaitlin Skreen at [email protected]
The Oregon Department of Oregon has grants to support school breakfasts (contact Laura Allran at [email protected]) and to purchase equipment (contact Jennifer Parenteau at [email protected]). The Department of Education maintains a page of Breakfast after the Bell resources.
USDA grants
USDA currently offers Equipment Assistance Grants for School Food Authorities The current grant cycle is open until September 2022. State agencies competitively award equipment assistance grants to eligible school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), giving priority to high need schools (i.e., schools in underserved areas, schools with limited access to other resources, and age of food service equipment) where 50 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
These funds will allow SFAs to purchase equipment to serve healthier meals that meet the updated meal patterns, with emphasis on more fruits and vegetables in school meals, improve food safety, and expand access. For additional resources through USDA, please visit their grants page.
Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council Grants
ODN’s school grants have been awarded for the 2022-23 school year. For more information, Contact Crista Hawkins at [email protected]
Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign
The No Kid Hungry campaign frequently has opportunities for School Breakfast Program funding, check their website for updates. This includes the No Kid Hungry and Kellogg School Breakfast Grant. If you have any questions about the application, please contact via email at [email protected] or call 202-649-4342.
Model Programs
Schools across Oregon have found that substantially more children eat breakfast when it is served after the bell and free of charge for all students, when viable. By offering breakfast after the bell, as part of the school day, schools can eliminate barriers such as bus schedules and stigma that get in the way of students eating this important meal.
Breakfast after the Bell programs can look many different ways. Common models for this type of breakfast program are: Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab and Go breakfast, and Second Chance breakfast.
Universal Breakfast, where breakfast is offered at no cost to students, is a helpful addition to any breakfast model, as it removes the financial barriers students may face when participating in School Breakfast Programs. Offering breakfast at no cost increases breakfast participation, and removes stigma lower-income students often face when they eat breakfast at school. Schools can enroll in a few federal programs to assist with offering universal breakfast, including the Community Eligibility Provision and Provision 2.
Second Chance Breakfast
This model is effective for middle or high school students who may not be hungry first thing in the morning, don’t arrive in time, or prefer to socialize with friends in the morning before class. In a Second Chance Breakfast model, students eat breakfast during a break in the morning, often between first and second period. Schools often serve breakfast in the hallway using a Grab and Go model, or they can open the cafeteria to serve breakfast during the break.
School Spotlight: Woodburn High School, Woodburn School District
Learn more about Woodburn High School’s Second Chance Breakfast Program
Breakfast in the Classroom
In the Breakfast in the Classroom model, Students eat breakfast in their classroom after the official start of the school day. Students or staff deliver breakfasts to classrooms from the cafeteria via coolers or insulated rolling bags. Students eat while the teacher takes attendance, gives announcements and gets the day started. Up to 15 minutes can count as instructional time, the average length this model takes.
School Spotlight: Grandhaven Elementary, McMinnville School District
Learn more about Grandhaven Elementary’s Breakfast in the Classroom Program
Grab and Go
Students pick up breakfasts from mobile carts in areas that are convenient to students, such as hallways, entryways, or cafeterias. Students can eat in their classroom or in a common area before and after the bell has rung.
SNAP Outreach Strategies
There are many ways to reach Oregonians with information about SNAP. You can help spread the word about this vital food assistance program through SNAP outreach.
SNAP Outreach Basics
SNAP outreach is grounded in positive messaging that shares the basics of the program, provides eligibility information, addresses misconceptions, and helps direct people to easy ways to apply. It answers the questions: what is SNAP, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Effective SNAP outreach strategies reach people where they are already accessing information or resources. This can look like posting outreach materials in public settings, having volunteers in a food pantry share SNAP information, screening for food insecurity in a clinic setting and providing SNAP referral information, or connecting people to SNAP as part of an intake process when someone is accessing other support programs like energy assistance or school meals. Trusted community groups and individuals can help lower stigma and connect people to SNAP through simple actions that have a powerful impact.
Learn more about SNAP
We know that it can feel daunting to share about SNAP especially when it seems like there’s a lot of information to convey. That’s why we provide in-person and online trainings. Our trainings address the basics of the program, navigating the application process, eligibility guidelines, effective outreach strategies, and how to provide application assistance in a simple way that helps you focus on the key information you need to know. Reach out to us if you are interested!
Underserved Populations
Outreach can focus on specific population groups that have lower SNAP participation rates. In particular, older adults, students of higher education, single adults 18 to 50 without children, and families with mixed immigration status participate at lower rates. This can be because of barriers like additional eligibility requirements or misinformation, difficulties with navigating the application process, stigma, or many other reasons.
One way to address barriers is to learn about the specific eligibility requirements that certain groups, like students and single adults 18 to 50, may need to meet. Another is to provide application assistance to people who may need extra help applying for SNAP, such as older adults.
Learn more about addressing SNAP eligibility and access for:
Find Support
We offer technical assistance and guidance with outreach strategies, resources and materials, and SNAP information.
We help individuals navigate their SNAP case if they encounter any issues or if they think a wrong eligibility decision was made.
Learn from others that conduct SNAP outreach throughout Oregon. Join O-SNAP, a statewide outreach listserv, participate in-person meetings or trainings, and get referrals to organizations doing this work in your area.
Connect with our SNAP outreach team
Angelita Morillo
Policy Advocate, SNAP
Email: [email protected]
Join Us in Ending Hunger
Together, we can end hunger in Oregon
Summer Meals Support Fund
ATTENTION: We are no longer offering Summer Meals Support Fund grants. See information below on how to start up a summer meal site in your community
In 2020 we shifted from our usual summer meal grant program to emergency support grants. In 2021 we made the decision to end the grant program and to instead focus our resources on policy and administrative advocacy to ensure that programs for summer and school meals are well funded and flexible in providing as much access for kids as possible.
Visit the Oregon Department of Education’s website to learn more about starting up, or improving, a summer meal site in your community.
You can also learn about Start Up and Expansion Grants for summer meal and afterschool meal programs on the Oregon Department of Education Website.
Have Questions?
Email us at [email protected] or call us at 503-595-5501.
Learn More About Summer Meals
Visit Summer Meals Oregon
TESTIMONIAL
“Grant County might be small but we have a lot of mouths to feed. Without these funds we would not be able to help fight hunger in Oregon and make sure no kid goes without summer meals.”
Kimberly Ward, Office Manager, John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation District