My name is Angelica Godinez Garcia, and I am a long-term resident of Tillamook County. During these trying and unprecedented times, we must uphold our community values of dignity and fairness. I urge the Oregon Legislature to adopt Food for All Oregonians (Senate Bill 611). Food is a basic human right, and everyone deserves access to nourishing meals including immigrants and refugees. With the rising cost of living, many Oregonians are struggling to make ends meet. Families are often forced to choose between keeping a roof over their heads or putting food on the table. As a Community Health Worker at a federally qualified health center, I see firsthand that food is the most affordable form of medicine. Yet, many in our communities are excluded from the current SNAP program simply because they do not meet citizenship requirements. My community should not have to struggle to access culturally familiar foods especially when they contribute billions in taxes each year. A solution to this discrimination and exclusion is Food for All Oregonians. This bill will uplift entire communities by expanding food assistance to young kids across the state who are currently excluded due to their immigration status. I strongly urge lawmakers to pass Food for All Oregonians so that all young kids in our communities can access the nourishing food they need to live healthy, dignified lives.
Angelica Godinez Garcia
Tillamook, OR
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about this important legislation go to https://www.foodforallor.org/ and contact your legislators to let them know you support Food for All Oregonians.
