About 15,000 people in Oregon's 6th Congressional District face new federal work requirements that could cost them their food assistance, according to figures U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas cited in a July 15 meeting with state officials.
Oregon Department of Human Services says existing volunteer work at food pantries, parks, and nonprofits already qualifies, and many recipients don't know it counts.
ODHS announced July 21, that volunteer activities at community gardens, senior centers, animal shelters, and dozens of other organizations can count toward the 80 hours of monthly activity SNAP recipients must now log to keep their benefits.
"Many people are already giving back to their communities and growing their skills, but don't realize those same activities may also help them meet SNAP work or activity rules," said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director.
Who's affected
Under federal changes that took effect in July 2025 through H.R. 1 (the federal budget reconciliation law), adults ages 18 to 64 who don't have a child under 14 in their SNAP household must complete 80 hours of work, volunteering, or job training each month. Marion County is not exempt from the requirement.
Statewide, about 62,000 fewer Oregonians receive SNAP compared to a year ago, according to state figures reported by The Lund Report in mid-July 2026.
More than 25,000 lost benefits specifically because they didn't meet work requirements.
Salinas called the numbers "staggering" when she met with ODHS on July 15 to discuss the cuts affecting her district, which includes Salem and the surrounding area.
What counts
ODHS listed a broad range of qualifying volunteer work, including:
- Helping in a community or school garden
- Volunteering at a food pantry or community meal site
- Assisting at a senior center or community center
- Supporting nonprofits through office, event, or maintenance work
- Helping at local parks with clean-ups, trail maintenance, or habitat restoration
- Coaching youth sports or helping with after-school programs
- Organizing or staffing community events such as festivals or charity runs
- Mentoring or tutoring students
What to do
SNAP participants are responsible for submitting proof of their volunteer hours. ODHS staff can explain how to document hours and determine whether someone qualifies for an exemption.
Residents can complete the "Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause" form, available in English and Spanish, or contact the ODHS ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) Team at 1-833-947-1694 or [email protected]. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules (English) or Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo (Spanish).
ODHS can also connect participants with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources.
