As you may already know, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been paused for nearly 16,000 Jackson County households due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Many households have multiple members, including many children. An estimated 70,000 people have been affected by the pause, which started Nov. 1. Â
SNAP benefits will be delayed and will be paid retroactively when the shutdown ends, which is when they should resume their regular schedule. Benefits for seniors, including Meals on Wheels and Medicaid Home Delivered Meals, and benefits for households with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will not be affected.
This accounts for a sizable impact to the area population. That said, there are other avenues for people seeking help, and for those who want to offer help.
Where can I get help?
If you are someone who relies on SNAP benefits to get your groceries, please know many local organizations are rallying together to help. There are local food pantries and free, warm meals throughout Jackson County to help you and your family.
The following is a list of links to websites where you can find more information about local food pantries and free food programs:
Oregon Food Bank — State-wide map of food bank and free food programs in Oregon.
ACCESS — A list of ACCESS’s food bank locations
Rogue Food Unites – This resource includes 3 weekly free farmer’s market events.
The information about when November SNAP funds will be distributed, including a possible partial payment, is changing quickly. This is the best site to learn more about when you will receive your benefits. In addition, be aware there have been documented occurrences of scams related to SNAP benefits in the area. You should reach out to SNAP directly if anyone reaches out to you asking for information related to your SNAP account.
What can I do to help?
There are ways to help our neighbors who rely on SNAP benefits.
You can donate food to your local food bank.
You can bring warm meals to one of the free community potlucks in your area.
You can volunteer to distribute food at a free meal or community potluck.
Finally, you can call our state representatives to ask that they use Oregon emergency funds to support SNAP recipients while benefits are paused.
Big and difficult things are happening both locally and nationally. It’s important to remember that we are all in this together. If you need additional food resources, information about how SNAP benefits may be affected, or information on social services generally, you can contact the Community Resource Department of Jackson County Library Services. We’re here to help.
Email: communityresources@jcls.org
Medford Phone Number: 541-494-9122
Ashland Phone Number: 541-494-9123
Additional resources, phone numbers and links:
Jackson County:
- ACCESS –
- Donate Food – https://accesshelps.org/donate-food/
- Volunteer Info – https://accesshelps.org/volunteer/
Ashland:
- Ashland Food Project – https://ashlandfoodproject.com/
- Ashland Community Food Bank – https://ashlandcfb.org/donations/
- Peace House – (541) 482-9625
- Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice – 541-841-8341
Medford:
- Hawthorne Park Potluck
- First Presbyterian Church Medford
- https://firstpreschurchmedford.com/mission/
- 541-779-111 extension 200
- Contact for Judi’s Midnight Diner
- Salvation Army Food Banks
Jackson County State Representative:
Representative Cliff Bentz – (202) 225-6730 – https://bentz.house.gov/contact
Oregon State Senators:
Senator Ron Wyden – 202-224-5244 – https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/email-ron
Senator Jeff Merkely – 202-224-3753 – https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/