Food for Lane County faces surge in demand as SNAP cuts bite
Food for Lane County says SNAP cuts could hit 75,000 Lane County residents as pantry demand climbs. Bethel, Casa de Luz and Catholic Community Services are key lifelines.
Up to 75,000 Lane County residents could be affected by cuts to SNAP, Food for Lane County puts the figure at.
SNAP benefits were fully issued Nov. 7, but hunger remains an everyday emergency in the community.
Food insecurity affects about 16% of residents, City Club of Eugene put the figure at during its Nov. 22, 2024 forum on the issue. Amid the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits may not be distributed in November, leaving families that were already stretched by rent, utilities and food prices with fewer dollars to cover groceries.
Food for Lane County's Food Finder connects people to pantry and meal sites across Lane County, and qualifying families can pick up free groceries at many locations with no identification required. Meal sites offer free meals for all. The organization is also asking neighbors who can help to donate or volunteer as demand rises.
For immediate help, Bethel Food Pantry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 4445 Royal Ave. in Eugene, is open the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at 541-688-9085. Casa de Luz at Open Bible Fellowship, 1295 Taney St. in Eugene, is open the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at 541-521-7437. Catholic Community Services of Lane County, 1464 W. 6th Ave. in Eugene, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at 541-345-3628 ext. 404.
In Springfield, Food for Lane County’s mobile pantry at the Bob Keefer Center, 250 South 32nd Street, is open the last Friday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m.
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