As many Oregonians face uncertainty following the expiration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, the PGE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric, is donating $50,000 to Oregon Food Bank to help ensure families have access to food.

According to an analysis of USDA data by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the program helped over 757,000 Oregon residents buy food in 2024, which is about one in six Oregonians. The PGE Foundation’s contribution will help Oregon Food Bank meet growing needs across communities statewide.

The PGE Foundation is proud to support Oregon Food Bank’s mission to end hunger. Since 1996, Portland General Electric and the PGE Foundation together have contributed more than $1 million to Oregon Food Bank to help fight hunger and support food security across Oregon. According to Oregon Food Bank, every $10 donated provides 30 meals for the community.

"Our Foundation is grounded in the belief that we are stronger when we take care of one another," said PGE Foundation Board Chair, Angelica Espinosa. “This donation reflects our mission and shared commitment to Oregonians, by supporting families, strengthening communities, and helping ensure access to basic needs like food remains affordable and within reach for everyone.”

“As hundreds of thousands of our neighbors face disruption to SNAP benefits, we’ve seen communities across Oregon come together to ensure families can still access the food we all need to thrive,” said Alison Wandschneider, Oregon Food Bank spokesperson. “PGE’s longstanding partnership with Oregon Food Bank and timely investment strengthen both immediate hunger relief and the long-term solutions that end hunger and its root causes for good. We’re grateful to work together toward a future where no one in our community is worried about where their next meal will come from.”

For more information about how you can support Oregon Food Bank, click here.

About the PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. As a foundation dedicated to helping others, it prioritizes support for upstream solutions that expand access, build skills and confidence, and open pathways for greater economic mobility — creating lasting impact for individuals and local communities. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to community organizations across the state. To learn more, please visit www.pgefoundation.org.