Dear friend,
Big changes are coming, and they'll hit the dinner table first.
In the next few weeks, more than 300,000 Oregonians will receive letters notifying them of major changes to their SNAP (food stamp) benefits. For many of our neighbors, this means they'll soon get less help putting food on the table, or lose their benefits altogether.
Here's what's changing in simple terms:
Some households will lose a utility credit that helps cover energy costs, which will lower their overall food benefit.
For the first time, adults ages 55 to 64 without disabilities or children must now meet the same requirement as younger adults—working or volunteering 80 hours each month to keep their SNAP benefits.
Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed immigrants who were previously eligible will no longer qualify.
These changes start this month and will roll out across Oregon in the coming year. You can read more about the details on the Oregon Department of Human Services website here.
Just months ago, Oregon farmers were harvesting crops that ended up on our pantry shelves thanks to the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, a USDA initiative that made local, fresh food possible for thousands of families. With that funding now gone, both farmers and food programs are feeling the strain. See how these cuts are impacting communities across Oregon.
What This Means for Lift UP
When federal programs shrink, the impact shows up quickly in our community.
We expect to see a sharp increase in demand for pantry food and delivered grocery boxes as households lose part of their SNAP support. For many of our neighbors, the choice between rent and groceries is a painful reality. Last year, over one-third of food box recipients and more than half of Preston’s Pantry shoppers faced that decision. Cuts to SNAP make our support even more vital.
"We have been put against the wall because every day we have less and less benefits," said a Lift UP client who lives in affordable housing supported through our programs. "With your service, it has been lifesaving—it's like being in the middle of the ocean and someone throws you a lifesaver."
Because food is so expensive, without Lift UP I wouldn't be able to afford to eat. I receive about $60 from food stamps, but my groceries cost almost $700 last month. Lift UP helps me feed my grandkids when they come to visit.”
How You Can Help
Subscribe for Good
Stand with your neighbors every month—not just in moments of crisis.
Think Netflix, but instead of streaming shows, you're streaming meals into homes across our city.
Your monthly gift provides consistent, reliable support that fills the gaps when federal food programs fall short:
$10/month = 84 meals | 36 jars of nut butter | 36 boxes of milk | 60 cans of soup per year
$20/month = 168 meals | 72 jars | 72 boxes | 120 cans per year
$35/month = 294 meals | 126 jars | 126 boxes | 210 cans per year
Prefer a one-time gift? $25 fuels 17 meals for neighbors.
Subscribe for Good today.
Lend a hand.
We're preparing now for increased demand in the months ahead, and every set of hands makes a difference. If you can help sort food, pack boxes, or assist with deliveries, we'd love to have you join us.
In This Moment, We Show Up
Federal systems may be shifting, but our local community remains strong. Together, we can make sure every Portland neighbor has the food they need and deserve.
At Lift UP, we believe that access to food is a human right, and we’re committed to ensuring that right for everyone, no matter what changes lie ahead.
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
P.S. Lift UP staff are out in the community raising awareness about food insecurity! You can spot our team on the cover of the Oregon Business Journal (article on page 31), and I'd love for you to join me at the Oregon Health Forum on October 27th, where I'll highlight community-driven solutions to hunger and food equity.
Food brings us together.
