Emergency food bucks help Oregonians access fresh produce amid SNAP delays
KTVZ
As thousands of Oregonians face delays in receiving their November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Farmers Market Fund (FMF) has launched an emergency program designed to keep healthy food accessible across the state.
The new initiative, called Emergency Double Up Food Bucks, provides anyone with an Oregon Trail Card twenty dollars to spend on fresh, locally grown produce at more than 40 participating farmers markets and farm stands statewide. The funds can be used to buy items such as beans, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetable starts—no SNAP balance required.
Farmers Market Fund Executive Director Rachael Ward says the effort is about more than just food access. “Even with the recent court ruling, thousands of Oregonians are going to experience a delay in receiving their November SNAP benefits,” Ward said. “We are rooting down to rise up and asking Oregonians to step up and support their neighbors, while supporting the small farmers and local economies that depend on SNAP.”
Funding for Double Up Food Bucks used through regular SNAP transactions is provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The emergency version of the program—offering automatic $20 produce credits—is supported by private donors and FMF general funds.
Locally, Rainshadow Organics in Sisters is participating in the program. A full list of markets and farm stands can be found at www.doubleuporegon.org.