In recent conversations with Oregonians across the state, we heard from a mom — like me, a mother of two young kids — who always packs extra food for her child to take to school, just in case a classmate doesn’t have enough to eat.

That’s who we are as Oregonians. We look out for each other. But no family should have to rely on the kindness of another parent to keep their child happy and well-fed.

Too many Oregon families are feeling the squeeze. Grocery prices are high — the price of eggs has skyrocketed — housing costs keep rising and too many parents are forced to make impossible choices — like whether to pay rent or put food on the table.

And some of us — our friends, neighbors and loved ones — face even more barriers. Immigrant families, who contribute tens of billions to Oregon’s economy, are excluded from food assistance programs like SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) which are meant to support the well-being of families and communities.

These are our coworkers, classmates and community members, and when any of us struggle, we all feel the impact.

As one mom, I can’t pack enough food to feed all the children in Oregon. But as one Oregon, we can. That’s exactly what Food for All Oregonians (SB 611) aims to accomplish.

The proposed bill would help improve access to food assistance for thousands of young kids who are excluded from programs like SNAP just because of their immigration status. If passed, Food for All Oregonians could ensure that all young kids, including immigrants and refugees, can access the food they need to thrive.

Why does Food for All Oregonians matter? Walking into a food pantry is a different experience than stepping into a grocery store or farmers market. Food pantries are essential community resources, offering critical support during times of challenge.

But everyone deserves to be able to choose foods that nourish their families and feel like home, just like anyone else shopping at a grocery store or farmers market.

SNAP also helps support more people than food assistance sites can manage.

This bill would support our kids with greater access to the foods that nourish and warm them, and enable parents to shop with the same freedom as their neighbors.

Anyone who’s ever felt the squeeze of the rising cost of living knows that strains on one part of our day-to-day budget, like being able to afford food, impacts everything else.

But imagine an Oregon where parents don’t have to choose between paying for child care or groceries. Where local businesses flourish because more families can afford to shop at their stores. Where every local community has what it needs to prosper.

Food access impacts all of us, and by improving access to food assistance, we’re not just addressing food insecurity — we’re strengthening Oregon’s economy and ensuring a brighter future for all of us.

This isn’t just a pipe dream: I’ve seen Oregonians come together when I helped advocate for driver’s licenses for all, ensuring that every Oregonian — including immigrants and refugees — could access the identification needed to participate in our communities and economy fully.

Victories show what’s possible when we come together to promote dignity and economic stability for all. Food for All Oregonians is not just a food security policy — it’s an economic security policy. It ensures that Oregon’s kids can lead healthy lives and contribute to thriving communities.

As a mom, I know how important it is for every child to be able to focus on learning, not hunger. For every parent to be able to provide food that feels like home, without worrying about whether they’ll have enough to last the week.

The way we solve hunger isn’t just by providing food — it’s by ensuring people have the resources and autonomy to make choices for themselves. It’s about dignity, home, belonging and the opportunity to build a better future.

Our nation is in a time of great uncertainty. Actions from the federal administration are supporting billionaires but creating chaos, job losses, higher prices and economic instability for everyday people. Now is the time for our state to protect Oregonians.

Andrea Williams is president of Oregon Food Bank.