06 Nov Food Is A Human Right
Addressing SNAP Pause due to Federal Government Shutdown-
750,000 Oregonians depend on SNAP/EBT (formerly known as food stamps) to put food on the table. When these essential benefits are paused, the harm is not evenly distributed. Children, elders on fixed incomes, and disabled community members suffer the most.
When our community is threatened, we come through. Just last weekend, Gorge Grown served 160 food-insecure families and distributed over $12,000 in two days — providing currency for low-income shoppers at our Farmers Markets while also supporting local farmers. Together, we met the urgent need with compassion and action.
Let’s be clear: the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the current administration are choosing not to release November funds for SNAP. Yet reserve funding exists — $5.5 billion set aside specifically to cover SNAP during a government shutdown — and laws require those funds to be spent. Failing to fully fund SNAP, when the average family receives only about $6 a day for food, is an unconscionable choice.
This moment exposes the deep vulnerability and volatility of our nation’s food system. We cannot rely on a government that decides, at will, when to withhold what people need to survive.
Why We Do This Work
This is why Gorge Grown Food Network exists — to build a resilient, inclusive local food system that endures beyond political cycles and federal failures.
Our work is guided by the values of collaboration, justice, integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. We envision a healthy, self-sufficient, vibrant local food system where food is abundant and accessible to all. From Tribal Food Sovereignty to Food Business Incubation, our programs create self-determination and food autonomy in defiance of a chaotic and inequitable global economy.
We are building a future where no family’s next meal depends on a policy decision in Washington, D.C.
The Reality of the Crisis
Food banks are doing everything they can — but they cannot fill the gap. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine. Columbia Gorge Food Bank has already lost nearly 20% of its food supply this year due to federal cuts and policy changes, even as local pantries see record demand.
Yes, people need emergency food assistance right now, and food banks deserve our support. But let’s be honest: what food-insecure families truly want and deserve is the ability to shop for their own groceries and make choices about what’s best for their families. Dignity and autonomy are as essential as food itself.
We All Have a Role to Play
No single organization can fill the gap our government has created — but together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
Here’s how you can help today:
🍎 Donate to support our SNAP Match Program, which directly supports SNAP customers at our Farmers Markets — a win-win for local producers and families in need.
🤝 Community Members: Explore the shared, living resource “Columbia Gorge Support and Mutual Aid” to connect and collaborate.
🌱 Farmers & Gardeners: Plant an extra row for resilience — feed your community in times of crisis.
🍽️ Restaurants: Many are now offering “pay it forward” meals for those in need, especially children. Check out Milk Crate Kitchen for one inspiring model.
This is a defining moment for our community. Food is not a privilege. Food is a human right.
Join us in proving it.
SNAP Matters to our Economy
According to the Oregon Hunger Task Force (2022), SNAP adds over $4.7 million annually to the Hood River economy, $4.6 million to Wasco County, and $317,000 to Sherman County.
Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50–$1.80 in total economic activity, as dollars circulate through local stores, farms, and food businesses — strengthening our regional economy.
We word hard to harness this positive economic impact at our farmers markets for our local producers. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in SNAP and SNAP incentives are spent with farmers at our markets.
SNAP Serves our Community
41 million people nationwide rely on SNAP: 12.3% of U.S. residents
- 2 in 5 are children.
- Half of all households include elderly or disabled individuals.
- 1 million veterans depend on SNAP.
- Over 20 million recipients are employed, and most others use the program temporarily during unemployment or hardship.
- Find more data here.
SNAP touches every class, race, and community — and Oregon has one of the highest participation rates in the nation. We reject the false and discriminatory narrative that people on SNAP are taking advantage of the system.
In a just world, SNAP would not be necessary. But until poverty is eradicated, we must protect and strengthen it. One in three people in the Gorge lives in poverty. Supporting SNAP means supporting our neighbors.
How SNAP Works
SNAP provides monthly grocery assistance to qualifying households based on income. Benefits are distributed through a prepaid card that can be used to purchase food — including meat, produce, grains, and nonalcoholic beverages — from participating retailers and Farmers Markets.
Recent policy changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2024), have imposed stricter work requirements for adults without dependents. Those new restrictions took effect Saturday, further tightening access at a time when families need help most.
At our farmers markets SNAP shoppers also receive SNAP Match tokens, often turning $20 in EBT into $60 to spend at the market. This program is a triple win for our community: it provides groceries from local farmers to food insecure families; it supports our local farmers and producers; and keeps more money in our local economy.
We are committed to ensure SNAP shoppers can still receive SNAP Match, regardless of their card balance. We need your help to continue!