By Olive Bicha, ClackCoKids Family Services Manager |

Beginning in March 2023, the emergency extra funds that were being awarded to SNAP recipients during the pandemic will be going away. For many families this could mean a dramatic reduction in monthly SNAP benefits.

We want to help families in our community who could face food insecurities plan ahead to address these upcoming changes.

The State of Oregon and ODHS have some tips for families here:

• Knowing your regular SNAP benefit can help you budget. You can check how much your regular benefits are by accessing your EBT account online at ebtEDGE.com​or by logging into your ONE account at Benefits.oregon.gov.
• Questions about your SNAP benefits can also be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. The ONE Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.​
• Regular SNAP benefits are added to EBT cards between the first and the ninth day of the month.
• Tell ODHS if your income has decreased. A decrease in your income may mean you qualify for more SNAP benefits.

In addition to these tips, they have also put together this list of resources for families seeking food in Oregon:

• Find food resources in your community: oregon.gov
• Find a food pantry: ​oregonfoodbank.org
• ​Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: caporegon.org/find-services/
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center

We want to recognize the emotional impact this change will have on many of the children and families we serve. If you need help accessing food resources, or have any questions, please contact your ClackCoKids family service worker, or call our main line at 503-675-4565.

The information above comes from: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx. Visit that page for additional information and resources.