As the future of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits hangs in the balance amid a prolonged government shutdown, Portland residents and small businesses are stepping in to ensure no one in their community goes hungry.
A Halloween Event with a Purpose
In Northeast Portland, Sheri Cameron, owner of the Wilde Gild Collective hair salon, decided to turn her shop’s annual Halloween celebration into something more meaningful. This year, trick-or-treaters on Alberta Street received not just candy, but food essentials — a small act of generosity that carried big significance.
“We purchased enough food, cup of noodles, little clementines, and fruit snacks to hand out,” Cameron said. “With the donations we received, we’ll have enough for the 600 to 700 trick-or-treaters we expect.”
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Cameron emphasized that the gesture was meant for everyone, regardless of background. “This is a way where it doesn’t matter what neighborhood you’re coming from or what your socioeconomic background is. Please take one, have one, share — no one should be going hungry right now.”
Her aunt, Jennifer Underwood, who helped distribute food, added with a smile, “Candy is good for the kids, but the food is better.”
Community Efforts Grow Amid SNAP Lapse
The effort comes as SNAP benefits face an uncertain future. With the federal government shutdown stretching into November, millions of low-income families risk losing food assistance. Payments were expected to be frozen starting November 1, leaving many Oregonians worried about how they’ll feed their families.
“We’re all closer to poverty than we are not,” Cameron said. “It’s important to come together and support people who are struggling. To think that we can build a $300 million ballroom, but we can’t feed people — that’s one of the most painful things to accept right now.”
Schools and Local Volunteers Step In
In Hillsboro, Adrienne Smith, a counselor at Brookwood Elementary School, has taken a proactive approach. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for groceries and essentials for local families impacted by the SNAP lapse.
“We already have a list of families who’ve asked for help,” Smith said. “We’ll shop for them tonight, get them their groceries tomorrow, and keep going as long as the donations last.”
Smith’s initiative extends beyond the school’s walls. “Some people don’t feel safe going out, so we’ll deliver food directly to them. Others will pick up at the school, and some may receive grocery store gift cards,” she explained.
She also plans to use leftover funds to start a small food pantry to provide ongoing support for struggling families.
The Urgency of Food Security
Smith sees firsthand how hunger affects her students. “When children are hungry, they can’t focus, and behavior issues increase,” she said. “No child should go to bed hungry.”
With upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving and Veterans Day bringing school closures, Smith and other educators are determined to make sure students have enough food at home. “When schools close, many kids lose access to their breakfast and lunch. We want to make sure they have what they need while they’re away.”
A City United by Compassion
From small businesses handing out snacks to teachers delivering groceries, Portlanders are proving that compassion can fill the gaps left by bureaucracy. As the uncertainty over SNAP funding continues, community members like Cameron and Smith are stepping forward to remind everyone that helping one another is what truly sustains a community.
“We can’t fix everything,” Cameron said, “but we can make sure no one feels forgotten.”
