Oregon families lose $44,000 in SNAP food benefits to summer wildfires

Approximately 170 Oregon households requested replacement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this summer following evacuations caused by wildfires. Data from the Oregon Department of Human Services indicates that the fires cost low-income families at least $44,000 in lost food.

Requests were concentrated in July and August, spanning six counties: Clackamas, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Umatilla, and Wasco. Half of the replacement requests originated from Jefferson County, where the Bench Fire burned over 67,000 acres near the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. In Jefferson County, 86 households received $23,000 in replacement benefits.

This wildfire season was Oregon’s most extensive and costly, with 2.5 million acres burned. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fires destroyed at least 30 homes and 74 other structures.