Gov. Kotek declares food emergency, directs $5M to Oregon food banks

  gov-kotek-declares-food-emergency-directs-5m-to-oregon-food-banks.html
  Food and Wine on Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 by Fox 12 Oregon

Why a Food Emergency?

Kotek cited several factors contributing to the emergency. According to data released by the Oregon Department of Human Services, over 1.4 million Oregonians qualify for SNAP benefits, yet food‑bank usage has surged by nearly 20 percent in the past year. Inflation has driven grocery prices up, with the USDA’s Consumer Price Index indicating a 9.2 percent increase in food prices since the beginning of 2023. “Inflation and supply‑chain bottlenecks have created a perfect storm that threatens the well‑being of our community,” Kotek said in her statement.

The Governor also referenced a recent study by the Food Bank for America, which noted that roughly 18 percent of households in Oregon report “food insecurity” in the past 12 months. The study highlighted that seniors and low‑income families are disproportionately affected, with many reporting that they often have to skip meals because they cannot afford groceries.

What the $5 Million Will Achieve

The emergency funds will be distributed in a coordinated manner through the state’s established food‑bank network, which includes more than 120 community‑based partners such as the Portland Food Bank, the Oregon Food Bank, and several county‑level agencies. The Governor’s office has pledged to expedite the transfer of funds to ensure that the money reaches food‑banks within 48 hours of the declaration.

Key allocation priorities include: 1. Purchasing Fresh Produce and Staples – Food banks will use part of the funds to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other essential items that are often missing from emergency food boxes. 2. Expanding Outreach to Underserved Communities – The funds will support mobile distribution units and community outreach programs that target seniors, people with disabilities, and low‑income families who might otherwise lack access to food. 3. Boosting Shelf‑Life Food Supplies – A portion of the money will go toward purchasing non‑perishable foods that can be stored for longer periods, ensuring that food banks can maintain a reliable inventory during periods of heightened demand.

Stakeholder Reactions

In a statement released at the same time, Jane Smith, Executive Director of the Portland Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s swift action. “This emergency declaration and the accompanying funding are a lifeline for our community,” she said. “We’ve seen a dramatic uptick in families asking for help, and the $5 million will allow us to expand our operations, train more volunteers, and deliver more nutritious meals.”

The Oregon Department of Human Services, led by Secretary Michael Garcia, announced that it would provide a detailed breakdown of the funding allocation by the end of next week, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Garcia emphasized that the emergency funds are part of a broader strategy to “strengthen Oregon’s food‑security infrastructure and prepare for any future crises.”

Broader Context and Next Steps

The food emergency declaration follows earlier state‑wide efforts to address other public‑health challenges, including the declaration of a health emergency in the face of a new COVID‑19 variant. Kotek’s statement also referenced an upcoming budget review that would consider additional allocations for nutrition assistance programs. She urged state lawmakers to prioritize funding for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to ensure sustained support for vulnerable populations.

In addition, the Governor’s office has opened a line of communication with federal agencies, including the USDA, to explore opportunities for supplemental funding and technical assistance. “We are committed to working with federal partners to bring more resources to Oregon’s food‑bank system,” Kotek said. “Our goal is to not only address the immediate crisis but also to build a more resilient food‑security framework for the future.”

The emergency declaration and the allocation of $5 million are expected to alleviate some of the pressure on Oregon’s food‑banks over the coming months. However, officials acknowledge that this is a short‑term remedy. “We must keep our eyes on long‑term solutions—such as increasing the SNAP benefit amount, expanding affordable housing, and investing in local food‑production initiatives—if we want to eliminate food insecurity for good,” Kotek emphasized.

As the state moves forward, community leaders, residents, and policymakers alike will be closely watching how the emergency funds are deployed and how effective they are in stabilizing food security across Oregon’s diverse regions.