Oregon SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits

Need to know:

  • If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to power outages you can apply for replacement benefits to purchase new food.
  • You must request replacement benefits within 10 calendar days of the food loss.
  • Replacement benefits may also be available if you lost food due to home damage or other natural disasters.

(Salem) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to power outages are encouraged to apply for replacement benefits with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

SNAP households who lost or disposed of food that was unsafe to eat due to power outages can request SNAP replacement benefits. Replacement benefits also may be available to SNAP households who lost food due to home damage.

Replacement benefits must be requested within 10 calendar days of the food loss by:

Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

​Resources to help meet basic needs

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.