Editor’s Note: This article was originally auto-scheduled for publication on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Due to an input error, it was instead published on November 9, 2025. In the three days between those dates, the State of Oregon successfully loaded SNAP benefits onto recipients’ cards, rendering portions of the original article inaccurate. Medford Alert News apologizes for this human error. The article’s list of local food resources remains accurate and has been retained for reference.
MEDFORD, Ore. (Nov 9, 2025) — The ongoing federal government shutdown has delayed November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, affecting tens of thousands of Jackson County residents who rely on the program for food assistance.
According to local officials, funds will be distributed once federal funding resumes, though it may take time for benefits to load onto recipients’ EBT cards. The delay impacts nearly 47,000 individuals across more than 28,000 Jackson County households.
Current federal guidance suggests that only partial funding may be released in the near term, but it remains unclear whether this will affect the amount of benefits issued, the number of recipients, or specific states.
In response to the disruption, Jackson County has declared a local emergency and partially activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor community impacts, assess needs, and coordinate local resources. The City of Medford is working closely with county officials, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), and regional food partners to help ensure assistance reaches those most affected.
Residents experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to access available community resources, including:
• Oregon Food Bank – Food Finder: foodfinder.us for nearby food pantries and meal sites.
• 211 Info: 211info.org or call 2-1-1 for information on food, housing, and financial support.
• Southern Oregon University – Basic Needs Resources: dos.sou.edu/basic-needs-resources/food for students and community members.
• Oregon Department of Human Services: oregon.gov/dhs for updates on SNAP benefits and eligibility.
Weekly Food Assistance Options
Monday
• Talent Food Pantry – Free groceries, including fresh produce, proteins, and dry goods. Location: 104 E. Main St., Talent (City Hall back parking lot). Hours: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
• Teresa McCormick Center – Free drive-thru food boxes. Location: 2600 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford. Hours: 2-4:30 p.m.
• Salvation Army – Food assistance every other week. Location: 922 N. Central Ave., Medford. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday
• Rogue Food Unites: The Way – Medford Family
Church. Location: 2655 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford. Hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• West Medford Pantry: Location: 750 N. Columbus Ave., Medford. Hours: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday
•First United Methodist Church of Ashland: Location: 175 N. Main St., Ashland. Hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Location: 140 N. Oakdale Ave., Medford. Hours: 9:15-11:00 a.m.
Thursday
• Rogue Food Unites – Medicap Pharmacy Parking Lot. Location: 49 Talent Ave., Talent (along RVTD
Bus Route 10). Hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Teresa McCormick Center – Free drive-thru food boxes. Location: 2600 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford. Hours: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Saturday
• First Phoenix Presbyterian Church – Free clothing closet. Location: 121 2nd St., Phoenix. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Jackson County Emergency Management continues to meet regularly with community partners to assess local conditions. Medford Alert News will continue to update this article as new community food partners become available.
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