Support for Critical Food Assistance

The hunger crisis in Oregon is growing, and we need your help to advocate for increased funding for food assistance programs. Together, we can fight hunger and make a real difference in our communities.

On Thursday, March 20 at 1:00 pm, the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Human Services will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5526.

Learn more about the bill and submit your written testimony here:

One-third more Oregonians

are experiencing hunger now than before the pandemic.

Last year, there were 2.5 million visits to the 1,200 food assistance sites through the Oregon Food Network — a 31% increase from the previous year.

Letter of Support Template:

Here is sample language you may want to use for written or verbal testimony. Feel free to edit this as you see fit, and adapt it to your situation:

Support for Critical Food Assistance

Date: [Insert Date]
Name: [Insert Your Name]
Organization (if applicable): [Insert Organization Name]
Location: [Insert City, Oregon]

Co-Chair Campos, Co-Chair Valderamma, and Members of the Committee:

On behalf of [Insert Your Organization], we strongly support increased funding through the Oregon Hunger Response Fund to provide critical food assistance throughout the state. As we have seen over the past few years, the need for food assistance has only increased, along with the cost of purchasing food. 

One-third more Oregonians are experiencing hunger now than before the pandemic. Last year, there were 2.5 million visits to the 1,200 food assistance sites through the Oregon Food Network — a 31% increase from the previous year. We are in the midst of an ongoing hunger crisis, and we have the opportunity to make meaningful change in this legislative session. In a survey among Oregon’s regional food programs, a gap of $15 million was identified to maintain existing services. In looking at it from a statewide perspective, the need intensifies. 

With many of our neighbors—both families and individuals—one paycheck away from crisis, food banks are often the only place they can turn to for help. Food insecurity impacts Oregonians of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, and it is a direct barrier to health, education, and productivity. The funding requested today will directly support food distribution, operational costs, and programs that target specific needs impacting thousands within our communities.

I urge you to recognize the vital work that food banks do and the critical role they play in sustaining the health and well-being of our communities. Increased funding is not just a response to a crisis; it is an investment in Oregon’s future—a future where no one goes hungry. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely,

[Insert Your Name]
[Insert Your Contact Information, if desired]