The state of Oregon is beginning to make some very important new changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes are required by the federal budget law that was signed by President Donald Trump in July. The new laws make it harder for those who get SNAP and make the work of most adults more demanding. This also limits access to refugees and asylum seekers.
The modifications will be made over the next year. The changes will not have an immediate effect on the 18% of Oregonians who are currently receiving SNAP. However, starting October 1, able-bodied adults with no dependents will have to comply with new work requirements in six of the counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River.
These adults must work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month. If they do not work, they will only be allowed to receive 3 months of SNAP assistance within three years. The Oregon Department of Human Services projects that over 313,000 Oregonians would be impacted. This is out of 757,000 people who are dependent on SNAP. Food insecurity is predicted to grow.
This comes as food banks all over the state are already struggling with food shortages. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotex said she’s not in agreement with the changes. And her focus is ensuring that “those who are affected throughout Oregon are educated on what is happening and where they can go for support.“
The provision of this new law extends the age ceiling for able-bodied adults without dependents from 55 to 65. It also reduces the age of dependents from the age of 18 to of 14. This means people with children more than 14 in their house may now have to work in order to be eligible.
To add to that, there are exemptions for those experiencing homelessness, veterans, and those who were formerly in foster care; these exemptions are dropped. These groups had approximately 24,300, almost 1,300, and 209 people belonging to them in May 2025, respectively.
Also starting on November 1, households that receive energy assistance will see their SNAP benefits decreased. The state estimates 29,000 households will lose this benefit, while on average, the cut is $58 per month. Furthermore, approximately 3,000 people who are already refugees or asylum seekers will lose their eligibility for SNAP altogether.
These cuts occur as the Oregon Food Bank receives fewer federal food shipments. Since February, there have been 30 truckloads, or more than 1.4 million pounds of food, that have been canceled. The Oregon Food Bank is dedicated to helping people through the challenges.
