Oregon Directs $1 Million to Tribal Governments
Governor Tina Kotek allocates emergency funding to address food insecurity as federal shutdown halts SNAP benefits.
SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to distribute $1 million in emergency funds to the state’s nine federally recognized Tribes to help combat food insecurity during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The governor’s office said the decision comes as the shutdown continues to disrupt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides essential food support to hundreds of thousands of Oregonians.
“The refusal of the Trump Administration to maintain SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown is creating instability for families and communities that rely on this critical help to buy food,” Kotek said. “We are moving quickly to ensure that Tribal governments and local partners have the resources they need to meet immediate food security needs.”
Addressing an Urgent Need
The $1 million allocation will be distributed directly to Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribal governments, allowing them to determine how best to meet local food needs. Tribal leaders and advocates have expressed growing concern as SNAP benefits were placed in jeopardy earlier this week.
“Given the urgency of the situation, ODHS is implementing a streamlined grant process to ensure funds can be deployed as quickly as possible while maintaining transparency, collaboration, and respect for Tribal self-governance and sovereignty,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
The move follows similar emergency allocations made earlier this week by the state to food banks across Oregon as SNAP funding uncertainty spread.
Tribal Collaboration and Next Steps
The state emphasized that the funding process will prioritize direct collaboration with Tribal governments, ensuring each community has flexibility to meet its unique needs.
“Oregon remains committed to continued consultation, coordination, and open communication with Tribal governments as the situation evolves,” the governor’s office said.
ODHS officials said the grants will be expedited under emergency procedures, with funds expected to be distributed within days.
As the shutdown continues, state leaders are urging federal officials to restore SNAP funding to prevent further strain on food assistance programs and vulnerable households statewide.