Advocates Stress More Needs To Be Done To Help Hungry Oregon Kids

As costs rise for basic necessities, people fighting hunger across Oregon call on state leaders to prioritize funding for school food pantries.  Last year, the Oregon Food Bank network provided more than 98 million meals to those in need, with 37 school sites part of the distribution mix.

Rachel Lucille with Oregon Food Bank says state and local leaders are cutting or underfunding school food pantries when they need to be doing the opposite.

"This is a clear example of how hunger is a policy choice," Lucille said.  "We need them to focus on what we need, and schools prove time and time again that having school pantries works."

Lucille said rural parts are hardest hit.  Currently, one in five kids face food insecurity in Malheur and Harney counties; the statewide average isn’t much better, sitting at one in six kids.

Oregon is navigating a budget shortfall driven in part by federal cuts to SNAP benefits and Medicaid.  The state Department of Human Services received 110 million dollars in emergency aid this legislative session, but that goes to higher administrative costs for SNAP.

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