Oregon faces $385M annual price tag to maintain SNAP under federal changes
By Jules Rogers, The Sandy Standard
Many Oregon residents have already lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP food assistance benefits, under new federal eligibility and work rules, while the state faces an estimated $385 million in additional annual costs to maintain current food assistance levels.
A bill introduced by Oregon Rep. Janelle Bynum would protect federal SNAP funding if states cannot afford their newly required share, but the legislation has not yet advanced out of committee.
Bynum, alongside Alabama Congressman Shomari C. Figures, introduced the Save SNAP Act of 2026 in Congress April 27.
“Access to necessities like healthcare or food shouldn't be dependent on where you live,” said Rep. Bynum. “I am proud to introduce (this bill) to make sure … Americans across the country have access to the food assistance they rely on.”
The Save SNAP Act is intended to protect federal food assistance. According to Bynum's office, under the Republican budget law, states could potentially eliminate SNAP if they cannot or do not meet the new cost-sharing requirements. Her bill would preserve federal SNAP funding in that situation.
Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton and Hood River counties initially had to implement the expanded SNAP work requirements in October 2025, and the work rules subsequently expanded statewide in November.
Now, under the Republicans’ budget bill, states could reduce or eliminate SNAP if they cannot afford their required share. The Save SNAP Act would require the federal government to continue providing its share of SNAP funding even when a state cannot meet the new cost-sharing requirement.
The Republican budget law, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, made major changes to SNAP. In Oregon, the effects are already being felt.
According to Gov. Tina Kotek’s office, about 35,000 Oregonians have lost SNAP benefits because of this bill. National SNAP participation fell by more than 13% between May 2025 and May 2026 as heightened requirements for eligibility take hold, according to AP News.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, Oregon's share of SNAP administrative costs is scheduled to increase from 50% to 75%. Beginning Oct. 1, 2027, Oregon could also be required to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefit costs, depending on the state's payment error rate. Oregon's current error rate would put it at the maximum 15% share.
With the decrease of federal SNAP funding, ODHS estimates Oregon would need an additional $385 million annually to maintain current SNAP service levels.
Rep. Bynum’s Save SNAP Act would ensure that federal SNAP dollars still go to the states in the event that states cannot meet the new requirements. The bill would not reverse the new eligibility rules, but it may prevent a situation in which the state could lose access to federal SNAP dollars because it can’t afford its newly required share of the program.
The Act was introduced April 27, and referred to the House Agriculture Committee for consideration. If approved, it could then move to the House for consideration.
Statewide, anyone can check the Oregon Food Bank map or 211info.org for more resources.
Here’s where some people can eat for free, donate, or support the cause in Sandy. Call or check websites for hours and details.
Sandy Community Action Center: Food pantry38982 Pioneer Blvd.503-668-4746sandyactioncenter.comWednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
St. Michael Catholic Church / St. Vincent de Paul: Emergency food18090 S.E. Langensand Road503-668-3386
mjaparishescluster.org/st-vincent-de-paul
Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sandy Activity Night: Free community dinnerCommunity Church of Sandy, 39290 Scenic St.503-995-7931 or 503-427-8448
www.ci.sandy.or.us/administration/faq/food
Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.
Sandy Senior and Community Center: Congregate meals38348 Pioneer Blvd.503-668-5569
https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/parks-rec/page/nutrition-services
Tuesdays at noon