Oregon launches SNAP restaurant meals program with planned statewide expansion by 2029

Under the bright lights of the Oregon State Legislature, discussions unfolded that could reshape the lives of many residents relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services convened on March 11, 2025, to delve into the intricacies of the SNAP Employment and Training program and the newly proposed SNAP Restaurant Meals program.

At the heart of the meeting was the impressive network of 695 partnerships and 74 coalitions that have emerged, linking schools, farmers markets, senior centers, community organizations, and local offices of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). These collaborations have proven effective, with 59 percent of participants in the Employment and Training program securing jobs without government assistance shortly after completing their training.

The conversation then shifted to the SNAP Restaurant Meals program, a concept that has been available to states since 1977 but remains underutilized due to its complexity. This program allows certain SNAP participants—specifically the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness—to purchase hot meals from participating restaurants. However, under standard SNAP rules, benefits typically cannot be used for hot foods, making this program a vital lifeline for those in need.

Oregon's initiative to implement the Restaurant Meals program was set in motion by Senate Bill 1585 during the 2024 legislative session. This bill allocated $698,970 for the program, which includes funding for a full-time position and a limited-duration position to establish a task force. This task force, which began meeting in August 2024, is working diligently to develop an implementation plan, with a pilot program slated for Jackson and Josephine Counties by the summer of 2026. The ultimate goal is to expand the program statewide by July 2029, pending federal approval and necessary system programming.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of these discussions resonated deeply. The potential for improved access to nutritious meals for vulnerable populations stands as a testament to Oregon's commitment to enhancing the lives of its residents. With the groundwork laid, the state is poised to take significant strides toward a more inclusive and supportive food assistance system.