PORTLAND, Oregon — As the U.S. Department of Agriculture prepares to suspend distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits Nov. 1, several local businesses are stepping up to help Portlanders forced to go without them.

"It would be pretty easy to look the other way, to say well, this isn't affecting me, it's not affecting my neighbors," said Michael Kora, who owns Montavilla Brew Works . "It really does affect everybody."

Thursday from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., Kora will hold a fundraiser at Montavilla Brew Works. Customers who bring in two non-perishable food items will get one dollar off their first pint. Donations will go to Mainspring Community Pantry in Northeast Portland.

"We're just doing our part," said Kora. "My wife and I were talking before I left f

See Full Page