News From Your Friends

How You Can Contribute To Food Security In Clark County

December 7, 2025 in Local Food Systems

Photo from the Columbian

As you know, central to Friends of Clark County’s mission is to protect local farms and to create vibrant and equitable communities. This is why FOCC cares very much about food security, and why we work every day to advance smart land use policy and build a resilient, local food system.

This past year, food security has become a hot topic in the news. In July, when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) passed into law, it decreased SNAP funding by approximately $186 billion over 10 years. OB3 also included new restrictions on SNAP eligibility. Now, most individuals aged 18-64 must work, volunteer, or participate in training for at least 80 hours a month to receive benefits for more than three months in a three-year period. Additionally, previously exempt groups, such as veterans, the homeless, and former foster youth, are now subject to these stricter rules.

Then, this fall, we saw the government shutdown lead to an interruption of SNAP benefits for millions of people.

Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics food prices have increased by 3.1% over the last 12 months, and have increased by more than 25% in the last five years, which has considerably outpaced the rate of wage increases. Given this reality, it is no wonder that the Clark County Food Bank estimates that over 148,000 of our community members face hunger.

So, what can you do in this giving season to help?

Fortunately, Clark County residents are working hard on the problem, but more help is needed. Here is a list of organizations that you can support to make sure that your neighbors eat this holiday season and all year long.

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