October 28, 2025 5:50 a.m. 

On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon elected officials sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Robbins urging that the USDA take immediate action to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits continue without interruption as the federal government shutdown continues.

The letter said, ‘The ongoing federal shutdown has created unacceptable uncertainty for families, children, older adults, and communities across Oregon.” The letter continued, “Hunger should never be a consequence of a political stalemate. USDA must act swiftly to ensure that families have access to food and that benefits are delivered without delay”.

A release from the Governor’s Office said more than 757,000 Oregonians – including 210,000 children and 130,000 older adults rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs. It also noted potential economic ripple effects it said could result if SNAP benefits are disrupted, particularly in rural communities where SNAP dollars sustain grocery stores, small businesses and agricultural producers.

The letter was also signed by Secretary of State Tobias Read, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, and a number of Democratic legislative leaders.