Oregonians gathered in Salem to show their support for a bill that provides food assistance to people currently excluded because of their immigration status. The bill would help about 62,000 people get access to aid.

A rally was held in Salem on Thursday to urge the passage of a bill that would provide food assistance to Oregonians regardless of their immigration status. Senate Bill 610, known as Food for All Oregonians, would ensure people who are undocumented and excluded from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program receive food aid in the state. Morgan Dewey is a spokesman for the Oregon Food Bank.

“The Capitol was a beautiful backdrop for a series of speakers who shared their personal stories and organizations that are part of the 125+ organization-led coalition supporting Food for All Oregonians,” said Dewey.

Dewey says more than a million people are expected to access food assistance this year. To help counteract that, S-B 610 would help get aid to about 62-thousand Oregonians.

“With food on the table, families can thrive, kids can do better in school, access to education and health care and housing becomes a little less of a worry.”

The biggest roadblock to the bill’s passage is the Senate Republicans’ walkout. Dewey says anti-hunger advocates are urging them to return to Salem.

“We’re really calling on folks to come back and do their jobs so that pieces of legislation that will support a thriving Oregon, like SB 610 Food for All Oregonians, can pass and support our neighbors and our communities.”

Morgan Dewey can be reached at mdewey@oregonfoodbank.org.

Senate Bill 610: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/SB610

Disclaimer: Reporting by Oregon News Service funded in part by Oregon Food Bank.