Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
We know that when systems falter, communities rise. At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors. We've seen that power in full effect throughout Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties as SNAP benefits have been threatened. We’re in a precarious moment - but we’re not powerless. What’s already happening in neighborhoods across our region shows how much we as Oregonians care about each other. Local businesses turning their back counters into pantries, neighbors dropping off extra cans, organizations activating emergency support - these acts matter.
Below, you’ll find practical resources and ideas to help families access food support during this uncertain moment. Feel free to share this widely—having a map of support can help ease stress when every day feels unpredictable.
Where to go for help: community food resources
Oregon Department of Human Services – Food Resources page
- A directory of local food programs and how to contact them
- Use this as a starting point to find pantries, hot meal sites, mobile food programs.
Asian American Town – Food Resources
- Culturally specific food access, directories tailored to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities
- Helpful for folks seeking culturally relevant foods or language support
- A searchable tool to locate food pantries, meal programs, food distribution events, etc.
- This is great for pinpointing food options near your ZIP code
KGW Guide: How to Get Food Assistance & Meals
- A public-facing guide walking through eligibility, meal sites, how to use local resources
- Useful for folks less familiar with the system
Cascadia Health – Community Food Resources (Multnomah County)
- A regularly published list of food programs in Portland and nearby neighborhoods
- For folks in Portland in particular, this is a helpful up-to-date list
Local businesses offering free meals
- Some cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops are offering “SNAP meals” or sack lunches
- KATU has assembled a list of these community acts of generosity
Suggestions for households & neighbors
- Plan ahead, but lean on your network. If you have extra shelf-stable goods or budgeted funds, consider buying a few extra staples (canned beans, rice, pasta) and sharing with neighbors in need.
- Use 2-1-1 Oregon / 211info. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org. They can connect you to local food, housing, health, and social service resources across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
- Stay connected. Sign up for your ONE Online account (Oregon’s benefits portal) and use the Oregon ONE mobile app to monitor communication from ODHS about SNAP status or alternative supports. Oregon.gov
- Support local food banks and pantries. Even modest monetary donations help stretch emergency resources further. Oregon’s food banks purchase in bulk, which maximizes each dollar’s impact.
- Volunteer where you’re able. Many food banks, food pantries, and community meal programs need help packaging, distributing, or picking up food. Your time can be a lifeline.
- Advocate, speak up. Let your elected officials know you expect them to prioritize hunger relief, restore SNAP funding, and support policies to prevent disruption in core safety net programs.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is committed to helping communicate these efforts, as well as continuing our own programs that support individuals facing housing instability, promote quality, affordable preschool, encourage volunteerism, and more.
Let’s keep showing up. Hunger doesn’t wait - and neither should compassion.