Nearly 13,000 Benton County residents are navigating uncertainty over their food assistance as a federal government shutdown disrupts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Benton County officials released information this week about where residents can find food help as the shutdown interferes with the distribution of SNAP funds, which they said provide food benefits to about 13% of the county’s population, including more than 2,600 children and 1,100 older adults.
While a federal judge ruled Oct. 31 that SNAP funds must be reinstated, it remains unclear how quickly that will happen, prompting county officials to share resources for those in need.
Several local food pantries serve the Philomath area and surrounding communities. Nancy’s Food Pantry at Philomath Community Services, along with food banks in nearby communities, provide food assistance.
Residents seeking food help can access several resources:
- Community Services Consortium’s website lists food pantries and meal sites throughout Benton and Linn counties.
- The Oregon Department of Human Services Food Resources webpage provides information about local programs and food support options.
- Oregon Food Bank’s food finder tool helps locate nearby assistance, and 211info can be reached by dialing 2-1-1, texting a ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting 211info.org.
- Older adults and people with disabilities can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or visit its website.
The Oregon Department of Human Services recommends SNAP recipients check their EBT card balance frequently, continue following program rules and reporting requirements, and stay informed through ODHS communication updates. Recipients can sign up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov for case updates.
Community members wishing to help can donate nonperishable food at local food banks in Philomath and surrounding areas. Financial donations to Linn Benton Food Share provide the equivalent of six meals per dollar donated, officials said.