January 11, 2023 3:00 a.m.

February is the last month that the federal government will allow Oregon to issue pandemic emergency food benefits.

A release from the Oregon Department of Human Services said since April 2020, most people in Oregon who receive food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have also received extra emergency food benefits each month on their electronic benefits transfer card. These benefits were provided to help people who receive SNAP get enough healthy food for themselves and their families during the COVID-19 emergency.

March 2023 will be the first month since April 2020 that most people on SNAP in Oregon will receive their regular SNAP food benefits. Oregonians who receive SNAP are encouraged to prepare for this change in the food benefits they receive.

Emergency food benefits have provided people in Oregon with $1.9 billion in additional money for food since April 2020

Questions about SNAP benefits can be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075. It is open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.