The emergency SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits provided by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are set to end in March 2023 in Oregon. The current amount of benefits will decrease by $300 each month for a family of four.
The end of these benefits may negatively impact the lives of low-income families in several ways:
- Increased food insecurity: Without the emergency SNAP benefits, low-income families may struggle to afford enough food to meet their basic needs. This could lead to increased food insecurity, which can have negative impacts on health and well-being.
- Higher healthcare costs: Food insecurity has been linked to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. If more families experience food insecurity as a result of the end of emergency SNAP benefits, it could lead to higher healthcare costs and increased demand for healthcare services.
- Economic impact: The end of emergency SNAP benefits could also have an economic impact, as families may have less money to spend on other goods and services. This could affect local businesses and the broader economy.
- Increased demand for charitable food programs: Without emergency SNAP benefits, more families may turn to charitable food programs, such as food banks and pantries, for assistance. This could put additional strain on these organizations, which may already be struggling to meet demand.
Overall, the end of emergency SNAP benefits in Oregon could have significant consequences for low-income families throughout our local region. We can all work together to reduce hunger here in Southern Oregon. Please support the Ashland Food Project by becoming a food donor, or give directly to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank.
