Governor Kotek to Spend $5 Million in Food Bank Assistance, Made Emergency Declaration

Governor Tina Kotek announced she will send $5 million in state money to Oregon food banks to soften the blow of SNAP delays. According to the Oregonian, Kotek joins the governors of at least 12 other states in diverting millions in state money to backfill the lost federal funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, starting Saturday. Kotek said she has directed the Oregon Department of Human Services to send $5 million in unspent money that was designated in past years for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to Oregon’s network of food banks. The governor also made a 60-day “emergency declaration,” which will allow the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to respond. That will also mean that, when the shutdown ends, the state “will be best positioned to turn SNAP benefits back on as swiftly as possible,” according to Kotek’s office. In Oregon, SNAP money helps some of the most vulnerable residents put food on the table. About 210,000 are children, and 130,000 are ages 65 and older. ...Read more

ODFR Warns the Public to Stay Alert for Scammers

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts. According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association, scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year with artificial intelligence making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur. Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. Reported cases describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses. ...Read more

JoCo Food Bank Assisting Public as SNAP Benefit Delays Loom

The Josephine County Food Bank is informing the public of food assistance opportunities before SNAP benefits are delayed. They will host a pop-up food pantry at the YMCA, 1000 Redwood Ave, on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Starting on November 4, this operation will continue until SNAP benefits are restored. No appointment is needed, and the Food Bank thanks the YMCA for their support and partnership. The Bridgeview Community Food Pantry in Cave Junction will also begin offering extended hours starting next week to better serve the community. From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the public can receive food assistance at 5181 Holland Loop Road, Cave Junction. You can call (541) 592-3923 for more information. The Food Banks says with all the uncertainty surrounding the federal government shutdown, many families are wondering what this means for SNAP benefits. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, if you need to apply for or renew SNAP in October or November, they are still open during the federal government shutdown, and will continue processing applications and renewals. ...Read more