The halt to federal food money that began Saturday and has thrust many Oregonians into desperate times — uncertain of when their SNAP cards will be recharged — has shined a light on the sizable swath of Oregon’s population in need.

But it also has exposed a confounding set of statistics.

While Oregon ranks third among U.S. states for the highest percentage of residents who receive benefits through SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — the state ranks 21st in the percentage of residents living at or below the poverty line, according to numbers compiled by the federal government.

When just looking at children, Oregon ranks 26th among states with the highest rates of children living at or below the poverty line.

How can Oregon rank so high in food assistance if it’s

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