Gov. Tina Kotek on Oct. 29 directed $5 million in unspent food assistance funding to support Oregon's food banks as more than 750,000 in the state are expected to miss out on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program disbursements in November because of the federal government shutdown .

Kotek also issued an executive order declaring a hunger emergency for food security and directed state agencies to work together. The emergency lasts for 60 days or until SNAP benefits are reinstated.

The $5 million in funds comes from previous years' leftover Temporary Assistance for Needy Families money.

“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Kotek said in a statement. “While the Republican-controlled Congress fails to do its job, O

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