A Conversation with Julia Wentzel Regional Manager, Tillamook County Services, Oregon Food Bank
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted on October 29, 2025. Federal funding for SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown is in flux. On October 31st, a federal court ruling ordered the Administration to use contingency funding to provide SNAP entitlements for November. However, the rollout of SNAP benefits in Oregon and the nation has been delayed. The USDA and government have said that partial payments will be provided, but have not given a timeline of when any benefits will be paid.
This Q&A is based on an interview with Julia Wentzel (Regional Manager, Tillamook County Services, Oregon Food Bank) on what changes to SNAP mean for our community.
Q: What is SNAP, and how does it affect Tillamook County?
A: SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, is government support that helps low-income families buy food. In Tillamook County, about one in six residents and one in four children rely on SNAP. Yet, many more people qualify and aren’t receiving benefits. It’s a significant part of how families put food on the table.
Q: How will upcoming changes to SNAP affect our community?
A: Starting January 1, 2026 changes mandated by federal legislation (H.R. 1) will make it much harder for able-bodied adults to qualify. Currently, adults who are struggling but able-bodied can still receive limited assistance. That waiver will end, meaning those individuals can only receive SNAP for three months every three years. Even though the policy targets adults, it will ripple through families. Parents are the ones buying food, after all.
Q: And now, with the potential government shutdown, how does that play into this?
A: If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits could be frozen for everyone beginning November 1. The USDA has chosen not to use contingency funds this time, so benefits that usually refill monthly simply won’t appear. Families are panicking. We’ve already seen a surge in visits to food pantries across Tillamook as people try to prepare for losing those benefits.
Q: What can people do to help right now?
A: The number one way to help is by donating funds. Financial donations allow us to buy food in bulk and stretch dollars further. You can donate at oregonfoodbank.org and select the Tillamook location to keep funds local. Food donations are also welcome, especially shelf-stable, healthy items, but please call first since our sites are short-staffed.
Another big help is creative community support: pay-it-forward grocery programs, food drives, or even picking up an extra bag of groceries for a neighbor. And of course, advocate. Food insecurity is a result of policy decisions, not food shortages. Reaching out to legislators matters.
Q: Who can visit a food pantry?
A: Anyone who needs to. Pantries ask that you self-identify as needing food, but no proof of income is required. We collect minimal information, and you can remain anonymous if you wish. To find a pantry near you, visit oregonfoodfinder.org . You can search by location or need.
Q: How big is the economic impact of SNAP locally?
A: SNAP brings about half a million dollars a month into Tillamook County. That money supports local grocery stores, farmers, and businesses. When SNAP benefits are cut, it doesn’t just affect families. It affects our entire local economy.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: We’re so grateful to the Tillamook community. The need right now is beyond what food banks alone can meet, but people here truly care. As we head into the holidays, remember that food is a basic human right, and even a small act of generosity can make a huge difference for a neighbor in need.
Learn more or donate at oregonfoodbank.org
Listen to the full interview at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVvP2bCONic
Let’s Talk Tillamook is an independent community project led by experienced broadcasters and journalists dedicated to providing accurate, factual information and thoughtful conversations for the people of Tillamook County.
