News

Many people are concerned about how the federal government shutdown could affect their SNAP (food) benefits. If the federal government shutdown continues into November, people who get SNAP food benefits in Oregon may not get their November food benefits on time. No new regular SNAP benefits can be issued until the federal government reopens.

We understand this news may feel stressful. Food benefits are important and delays are hard. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working to keep people informed and will post updates on its website (in English and Spanish), on its official social media, and through partner organizations and the media.

The Oregon Department of Human Services encourages SNAP participants to:

• Check your EBT card balance regularly.
• Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements.
• Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels.
• Sign-up for a ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP benefits. (This is the fastest way to get notifications about SNAP benefits. ODHS will not be sending mailed notices because the rules are different during a shutdown.)

Find emergency food resources in your community:

• Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.
• Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finderwebsite.
• Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.
• Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

If you are able, we encourage you to donate food or funds to an organization providing food assistance to help meet the needs of community members impacted by the SNAP benefit pause. Below is a list of some organizations in the region, with drop-off locations and hours: 

• ACCESS Food Bank Warehouse 
  • Address: 2205 Joseph St, Medford, OR  
  • Instructions: Park on the right side of the main building and ring the warehouse bell behind the building.  
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  
• The Salvation Army 
  • Address: 922 N. Central Ave, Medford, OR  
  • Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1 p.m.–3 p.m.  
• Medford Food Project 
  • Address: 2195 Joseph St, Medford, OR (drop-off is at the warehouse, with a blue door marked for donations)  
  • Instructions: Look for the blue door and ring the buzzer to drop off donations.  
  • Hours: Specific drop-off times are available on their website, but the warehouse is generally accessible for drop-offs. You can also leave food out for their scheduled neighborhood pick-ups on the second Saturday of every even-numbered month.  
• Medford Gospel Mission  
  • Address: 125 W Jackson St, Medford, OR 97501 
  • Instructions: You can drop off donations of food, clothing, and toiletries directly at their Jackson campus. 
    

Local food assistance resources and food pantries: 

• Food Pantries in Jackson County (from United Way of Jackson County)
• Food Resources Jackson County