Oregon Superintendents Oppose Proposed Food Aid Cuts

Oregon school superintendents from seven major districts have issued a joint statement condemning recent and proposed federal cuts to food aid and other support programs for children, highlighting the growing burden on schools to address families' basic needs. They argue that reductions in resources, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding and Head Start, harm students' health, preparedness, and overall well-being. The superintendents emphasize that schools cannot continue to fill the expanding gaps left by diminished federal support and call for a statewide conversation on prioritizing children's welfare. Meanwhile, legislative debates on rolling back billions in SNAP spending remain unsettled at the federal level, drawing criticism from advocates concerned about increased food insecurity. Community voices in Oregon are also advocating for state-level solutions, such as the Food for All Oregonians bill, which aims to expand food assistance to children regardless of immigration status. The collective message is a call to action for policymakers and communities to protect the health and dignity of all children and families.