In response to a hunger emergency declared by Governor Tina Kotek, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Incident Management Team (IMT) is working to distribute food to those in need across Oregon. The team, led by Ed Flick, director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, meets daily in Salem, both in person and online, to coordinate efforts after the suspension and restoration of federal SNAP benefits. Their goal is to reduce food insecurity during this period.
The IMT’s objectives are listed in their operations center. These include identifying people at risk of running out of food, monitoring food supply levels, and moving food to areas with the highest need. The team also coordinates with state agencies, supports the Oregon Food Bank and other community groups, and works to keep the public informed about available resources.
One immediate goal has been to assemble and deliver 1,500 food boxes to residents most at risk. Flick directed team members to secure supplies and focus on distributing food to the community. Staff in the operations center work together to respond to changing needs…