Approximately 757,000 Oregonians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lose their benefits at the end of October 2025 due to the ongoing government shutdown. This situation affects an estimated 6,899 individuals in Clatsop County alone. The shutdown, which began earlier this month, has disrupted funding for SNAP, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
As the deadline approaches, local leaders are expressing concern over the potential impact on vulnerable populations along the North Coast. State Representative Cyrus Javadi, a Democrat from Tillamook, emphasized the urgency of resolving the federal impasse. “I’m worried about what that means for about 12,000 people who live along the coast, who will be without the benefits they need to afford food for their families,” Javadi remarked. He highlighted the critical implications for children and the elderly, noting that at least 45% of SNAP recipients in Oregon are either children or seniors.
Javadi criticized the current political climate in Washington, D.C., stating, “We talk about how the government should or shouldn’t work… what we’re seeing happen right now is just no government, which isn’t what the American people need or want.” His sentiments reflect a growing frustration over the political gridlock that has led to the current situation, which he argues ultimately fails to serve constituents.
Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs echoed Javadi’s concerns, attributing the shutdown to “extreme partisanship.” She expressed disappointment that political differences have hindered effective governance. “I wish that folks would go to the table and solve this problem,” Bangs said. She also linked the situation to the challenges posed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), noting that the expiration of COVID-related subsidies has highlighted issues with affordability under the ACA.
With the government shutdown looming, the community braces for the fallout. “We’re about to find out in a very real way if the government stays shut down, everybody is impacted,” warned Javadi. He emphasized that the consequences extend beyond immigration status to encompass the most vulnerable, particularly children and the elderly.
Bangs mentioned a silver lining in the current crisis: with schools in session, districts are providing free breakfast and lunch to children. Nonetheless, she is coordinating with county staff and local organizations to prepare for the upcoming cuts. “We’ll struggle in November,” she acknowledged, reflecting the anticipated challenges ahead.
Local charities are also preparing for increased demand. Raymond Montgomery, a volunteer with the Clatsop Emergency Food Bank, reported a sharp rise in need. “We had 12 clients and fed 55 people yesterday,” he stated, predicting that numbers will only increase if SNAP benefits are cut.
As the end of October approaches, the future for SNAP recipients remains uncertain. The impacts of the government shutdown could reverberate through communities, affecting those who rely on these essential benefits the most. Community leaders and residents alike hope for a swift resolution to avoid further hardship.