Oregon Food Stamps Arriving Early Because Of Government Shutdown

PORTLAND, OR – Some good news for Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as "food stamps." For the second month in a row, they will be arriving early.

Officials with the Oregon Department of Human Services say that they will arrive on March 1. Usually, they might not arrive until the 9th.

The change was made because families got their February benefits on Jan. 18 because of the government shutdown.

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"We understand that this disruption in the schedule of how benefits are distributed can be difficult for SNAP participants," Oregon DHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Kim Fredlund says.

"Our goal, during this unprecedented time, is to ensure we provide vulnerable Oregonians with access to food benefits and help them find additional resources if needed."

Freuland says that if people are concerned about running out before the new benefits arrive, they can contact to 211Info, the Oregon Food Bank or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) to find resources in their local communities.

To find a local DHS office, go to www.oregon.gov/dhs and click on Office Locations

File photo via Colin Miner/Patch.