This month we discuss the impact of SNAP benefit changes, highlight how our community has come together to support one another, and celebrate Crunch Day at Head Start with a statewide bite of locally grown apples.

Food Security Program Manager Jim Cooper works alongside Free Food Market volunteers to prepare food box deliveries for neighbors in need.

With the ongoing federal government shutdown, our community was shocked to learn that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were frozen starting November 1st. Thanks to an order from Governor Kotek, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) issued full benefits overnight, ensuring all Oregon SNAP recipients received their benefits for this month.

While this is a relief, the crisis is far from over. SNAP benefits for December remain uncertain, and this ongoing instability has already created challenges for families who rely on these benefits to put food on the table. The effects of these cuts are rippling throughout our community and local economy.

SNAP impacts more than just households. Local grocery stores and farmers’ markets depend on customers who use SNAP to sustain their businesses. When SNAP stops, so does that flow of revenue. Farmers lose a critical portion of their income, and small stores see noticeable drops in sales. In other words, disruptions to SNAP affect the entire ecosystem that keeps our local food systems thriving.

For organizations like Neighborhood House, the need is growing rapidly. Our Free Food Market has already seen increased demand as more families turn to us to fill the gaps left by suspended benefits. A loss of SNAP doesn’t just strain food systems—it affects real people. Jim Cooper, who leads our Food Security Program, has witnessed firsthand how these changes are already impacting families in our community.

Left to right: Senator Wyden, NH Executive Director Chris Chiacchierini, and Food Security Program Manager, Jim Cooper discuss the impact of food insecurity in Portland and beyond.

“With recent cuts to SNAP and other programs designed to lift people from poverty, our Free Food Market has seen an alarming rise in demand,” shares Jim Cooper, Food Security Program Manager at Neighborhood House. “This year alone, we’ve served an average of 2,500 people every month—a 40% increase over last year. We continue to be inspired every day by the compassion of our community—donors and volunteers who show what generosity really looks like.”

Even with SNAP benefits renewing this month, we anticipate a continued surge of community members relying on our Free Food Market and Food Delivery Programs.

Together, we can make sure no neighbor faces hunger alone—even when federal support falls short. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to stand in the gaps where systems end and community begins.

Emerio Design, LLC staff pictured with their annual food drive donations. We’re deeply grateful for their continued support and dedication to showing up for the Portland community!

While the past few weeks have been challenging, we’re reminded that there is still hope and joy to be found in showing up for one another. We have seen that even in uncertain times, our community knows how to show up. Over the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed an incredible wave of generosity from neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses—each stepping forward to help ensure everyone has what they need.

One steadfast partner, Emerio Design, LLC, has shown that commitment year after year. Their annual food drive for Neighborhood House brought in 245 pounds of food this year—double last year’s total! Their dedication to our community continues to inspire us.

Another act of kindness came from one of our own volunteers, who organized a dog food drive to make sure our Food Market clients’ furry companions are cared for, too. Thanks to their efforts, we received over 110 pounds of kibble for our four-legged friends.

And just recently, a volunteer dropped off 25 homemade chicken pot pie meal kits and 10 birthday kits—a thoughtful reminder that our neighbors care for one another, even in challenging times.

Dog food donations for our furry friends collected at the Howl-O-Ween Drive!

Times are tough but the overwhelming support of our community is a bright spot!

These stories are just a glimpse of how our community continues to come together with compassion and purpose to make a difference. To everyone who has gone above and beyond to support your neighbors, we are so incredibly grateful! Your kindness truly changes lives.

If you’re interested in hosting a food drive or finding new ways to give back, we would love to help you get started. See a list of our most needed items here. Together, we can keep the spirit of community growing strong. 

A Pre-K Head Start student enjoys a crisp, locally grown apple to celebrate Crunch Day and Oregon’s Farm to School Month.

On October 23rd, Neighborhood House Head Start joined over 40,000 students across Oregon for Crunch at Once Day, a statewide celebration of local food and agriculture education in schools! This is just one of the many ways we participate in Farm to School Month, an initiative that promotes healthy eating habits and supports local economies.

At exactly 11:00 a.m., children and staff took a big “crunch” into locally grown Honeycrisp apples from The Farmer in Odell. The joyful moment highlighted the importance of connecting kids to the foods grown in their own communities. 

That joyful crunch was more than just a fun moment—it was a reminder of how meaningful access to fresh, local food can be. Yet, for many of our Head Start families, that access is not guaranteed. SNAP benefits are a lifeline, and while children receive nutritious meals during the school day, food security at home remains essential for their growth and well-being. 

With recent SNAP cuts, the need for programs like ours and the community support that sustains them has become even more critical. 

To help meet this urgent need, we’ve established an Emergency Fund to support Head Start families facing immediate food insecurity. Our goal is to raise $4,000, and thanks to a generous donor, every dollar you give will be matched up to $2,000—doubling your impact and helping us reach that goal even faster. Together, we can make sure every child has enough to eat, both in the classroom and at home.

EcoTrust's Farm to Early Care and Education Team pictured with our Health and Nutrition Services Manager, Christina Heimann. 

The Button family dropping off Winter Wishes, from left in back: Bob, Whitney, Erik and Marianna. Front: Matthew and Ella.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for Winter Wishes, our annual community tradition of spreading warmth, joy, and generosity to local families!

Each year, neighbors come together to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need by donating gifts, clothing, and essentials from wish lists created by families in our programs. Whether it’s a cozy blanket, a warm winter coat, or a new toy, every gift makes a difference for a family.

Let’s make this year’s Winter Wishes the brightest one yet! For more information, or to learn how to host a Winter Wishes drive, connect with us here!

A Head Start student has their teeth checked and a fluoride treatment to keep their smile healthy and bright!

Our friends at All Smiles Community Oral Health recently visited our Head Start classrooms to make sure every child has healthy teeth and bright smiles!

Children of all ages received dental screenings and a fluoride swab to help prevent tooth decay, an important step in keeping those growing smiles strong. These visits not only promote healthy habits but also help children feel comfortable and confident about caring for their teeth.

A huge thank-you to All Smiles for taking the time to support our students and for making oral health care fun and accessible. This type of care helps our children start healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Head Start programs provide children with nutritious meals, health checkups, and the foundational support they need to thrive. For parents, reliable care makes it possible to work and provide for their families. Continuity of care is essential for healthy child development. Yet, due to the government shutdown, many Head Start programs across the nation are facing closures or service interruptions.

We can't let that happen. Help us raise our voices for Head Start programs nationwide by contacting our elected officials and reminding them how vital this program is for children and families. Our partners at Head Start have made it simple to take action. Just follow the link to send a message. You can even send one every day until the shutdown ends. Together, we can help protect the future of Head Start.