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OREGON CITY, Or. -- The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency earlier today, Oct. 30, to respond to food scarcity caused by the suspension of federal benefits in Clackamas County.
The current federal government shutdown will result in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ending on Nov. 1, 2025, which will directly cause or threaten widespread food scarcity that could result in injuries to persons, and human suffering.
Also on Thursday, commissioners authorized $100,000 of general fund contingency dollars to be used for this emergency should it be needed. The manner in which the money will be allocated will be developed by county staff, in conjunction with the commissioners. Additionally, commissioners also voted to write and send an email to the State of Oregon and the office of the Governor of Oregon, encouraging the state to directly backfill the federal SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, and to look to other states that have made similar policy initiatives to help bolster the food benefit system.
The declaration will:
- Authorize the county to direct emergency procurement of goods or services
- Allow the county to enter into mutual aid agreements with other government bodies to ensure basic needs are met
- Allow the county to redirect funds for emergency use
- Allow the county to take other measures that are immediately necessary for the protection of life and/or property
The declaration did not require the county to take action. It simply gives the county the ability to act quickly as decisions are made and actions are needed.
The emergency declaration action was taken in accordance with the Clackamas County Code. The full declaration is available online.
This declaration of emergency will continue until federal SNAP benefits are reinstated and are once again paid to those qualifying for them, or until Dec. 31, 2025, whichever is sooner.
Clackamas County has also created an online hub of food resources for community members. This page will be updated on a regular basis with new information.
To those who wish to help locally, consider donating funds to the Clackamas Service Center and make an online donation there or mail a check to: Clackamas Service Center, PO Box 2620, Clackamas, OR, 97015. While the Clackamas Service Center is not yet ready to provide food resources to those in need, officials anticipate being ready by next week.
Media contact information:
Name: Scott Anderson, Clackamas County Public Information Officer
Email: pio@clackamas.us
Phone: 503-742-4374