When federal systems stall, it’s often our neighbors who feel it first. Catholic Charities of Oregon is responding to the ongoing SNAP uncertainty with emergency food, grocery cards and daily meals for those most affected.
As uncertainty continues to swirl over SNAP funding due to the federal shutdown, court rulings and stopgaps of state aid, thousands of Oregonians continue to worry how they will pay for their next meal and feed their families moving forward. At Catholic Charities of Oregon, we’re seeing that worry up close and doing what we can to ease it.
Emergency Food from Catholic Charities USA
Last week, our national network, Catholic Charities USA, sent multiple pallets of food to Oregon — an incredible gift worth nearly $20,000 retail ($10,000 wholesale) CCUSA went above and beyond, adding fresh produce like pineapples, cucumbers and other staples that bring a little brightness to a difficult time.
That food is already moving through our programs, from family housing to refugee services, reaching people who’ve suddenly lost access to the federal support they relied on.
Grocery Gift Cards for Clients in Crisis
We’ve also pulled together grocery gift cards through donations and grant funds. Our team developed a simple, fair system to get them into the hands of households facing the toughest circumstances.
Starting this week, families are receiving $25–$50 cards, depending on their size and situation. It’s not a lot, but for some, it means a few days of groceries and a little relief.
One multigenerational refugee family we serve lost their SNAP benefits overnight. We were able to give them a $50 card and a box of food. For them, it meant survival.
Expanding Meals and Outreach
Our Housing Transitions Program (HTP) continues to serve a hot meal every day, and we’re expanding that service to Kenton Women’s Village. We’re also making extra sandwiches to distribute both onsite and through outreach.
We’re seeing people we haven’t seen in months, a reminder of how deep this need runs. During outreach, our staff are staying out longer, carrying more supplies and connecting with more people who need help.
At our drop-in center, women can also receive bus tickets to get to food pantries, shelters, or appointments — small but vital tools for independence and stability.
Stretching Every Donation
Our partners are stepping up too. Guardian Real Estate Services is hosting a food drive across its properties, and several property managers have started mini food pantries that we’ll help keep stocked.
Hope in Action
When systems falter, community steps forward. From national partners sending truckloads of food to volunteers preparing hot meals, every act of generosity helps someone weather this moment.
Catholic Charities of Oregon remains committed to making sure no one faces hunger alone.
You can make an immediate difference.
📅 Sign up to prepare or serve a meal through our volunteer program and help us nourish neighbors in need.
👉 catholiccharitiesoregon.org/volunteer
🥫Donations of food, funds, meals and gift cards are gratefully accepted
👉 catholiccharitiesoregon.org/donate