PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is demanding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) take action to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.

As it stands, roughly 757,000 Oregonians will not be getting their food benefits in November after President Donald Trump directed states to not distribute benefits until further notice.

Kotek’s letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the USDA needs to utilize available contingency and reserve funds to continue uninterrupted.

“The ongoing federal shutdown has created unacceptable uncertainty for families, children, older adults, and communities across Oregon,” the letter said . “Hunger should never be a consequence of politica

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