Oregon bill would replace stolen food benefits and study food access

The Department of Human Services would replace a recipient’s benefits stolen through electronic theft. This applies to recipients whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are stolen electronically. The theft must involve unauthorized access to benefit card data through skimming, cloning, phishing, or another fraudulent method. The department would set a process for recipients to claim replacement benefits. If enacted, the bill would take effect when passed.

The Hunger Task Force would study food wasted by grocery stores, farms, and schools and report its findings. The study would cover food wasted by grocery stores, farms, and schools in Oregon. The report would measure wasted food as a share of food sold, grown, or served, and consider ways to reduce waste. It would assess whether proposed standards or incentives could affect grocery stores, farms, or schools of different sizes differently. The task force would report to legislative agriculture committees by September 15, 2027. This study section would be repealed on January 2, 2028.

The Hunger Task Force would study food deserts and programs that provide food to people in Oregon. A food desert is an area with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. The study would include programs such as residential and community gardens. The task force would report to legislative human services committees by September 15, 2027. This study section would be repealed on January 2, 2028.