Thousands Lose SNAP Benefits in Lane County, Local Leaders Demand Action
More than 75,000 Lane County residents lost access to SNAP benefits after a federal funding interruption tied to the government shutdown, prompting local leaders and advocates to call for an immediate restoration. The suspension affects roughly one in five county residents, increasing demand on food banks and raising urgent public health and equity concerns as the holiday season approaches.
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On November 1, 2025, federal funding interruptions tied to the government shutdown left more than 75,000 people in Lane County without access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The loss of benefits has immediate consequences for families and service providers across Eugene and surrounding communities, and local leaders gathered at a press conference to urge a rapid resolution.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle joined local advocates and Head Start leaders in Eugene to denounce the interruption and press for the restoration of benefits. Two federal judges have ordered the administration to release funds while the legal dispute continues, but advocates say the orders have not yet fully resolved urgent needs on the ground.
Local providers report spikes in demand at Food for Lane County and other nonprofits that operate emergency food programs. Head Start administrators described increased anxiety among parents and additional strain on programs that also provide early childhood nutrition and family supports. Community organizations warn that the suspension will reverberate through the holiday season when demand typically grows.
The interruption carries clear public health implications. Food insecurity is linked to poorer nutrition, higher levels of stress, and worse chronic disease management. For children in low income families the loss of stable food resources can affect growth, learning and school readiness. Local health clinics and behavioral health providers are also bracing for an increase in stress related visits as families struggle to make ends meet.
The personal impact is evident in accounts from residents and service providers. A mother of five described the stress the delay has placed on her household and on community agencies that are already operating at capacity. Food banks report that donations and volunteer capacity are not keeping pace with the sudden outflow of need, forcing providers to make difficult decisions about how to allocate limited resources.
Beyond immediate relief, the episode raises questions about policy and equity. SNAP supports roughly one in five Lane County residents, making it a central element of the local safety net. The funding interruption underscores how federal budget conflicts can quickly translate into local crises for low income households and the nonprofits that serve them. Advocates called attention to structural gaps that leave families vulnerable when federal processes stall.
As legal proceedings continue, Lane County’s public health infrastructure and community safety net face pressure to absorb the shortfall. Local leaders are asking federal officials to act swiftly to restore benefits, while community groups mobilize to expand food distributions and connect residents with other forms of assistance. For many families the coming weeks will be a test of resilience for households and for a community that relies on coordinated public and private supports to meet basic needs.
