Standing Together Against Hunger
Across Oregon and beyond, families are facing a growing food security crisis. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and unstable housing have left 1 in 8 Oregonians—and 1 in 6 children—struggling to afford meals. Nationwide, millions are at risk of losing access to food assistance, including refugees who have fled war and persecution in search of safety. Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) and nonprofits in Willamette Week’s Give!Guide Hunger Category are standing together, and refusing to let our neighbors go hungry at these difficult times.
Recent federal policy changes have slashed nearly 20% of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) budget through 2034. Refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants are among the first to lose access to SNAP and Medicaid. For individuals like Antoinette, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lukas, who fled Ethiopia, these cuts mean fewer meals, worsening health, and diminished hope.
Food insecurity often has a ripple effect for those affected. Hunger affects physical health, mental wellbeing, job stability, and community participation. Research shows that limited access to nutritious food leads to chronic diseases, poor cognitive function, and lower quality of life, especially among vulnerable populations like immigrants and refugees.
Too often, immigrants have to choose between seeking legal services and putting food on their tables. Increased immigration enforcement has only deepened these struggles, with workplace raids making people afraid to go to work or unable to support their families. In response, ICS offers financial assistance through our Immigrant Legal Relief Fund to ensure that individuals experiencing hardship can continue their legal fees and a more stable future. The fund helps clients like Maria*, who lost her job, was relying on food stamps, and was unable to afford legal fees. ICS covered the fees, offered free services, and helped Maria get one step closer to becoming a U.S. citizen.
The nonprofits in Give!Guide’s Hunger Category represent a vibrant network of food banks, community farms, and local pantries working tirelessly to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. These organizations collaborate, share resources, and respond swiftly to growing demand. Their efforts not only feed families today but also build long-term solutions rooted in dignity and compassion.
Need help today? Use the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder to find local food pantries by zip code.
*Note: Names and details in this story have been altered to protect the client’s identity.