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Become a SNAP Workfare Site

 Help your community. Get extra help for your organization.

SNAP Workfare helps your organization get volunteer support while helping people in your community keep their food benefits. 

If your organization has meaningful volunteer opportunities, you may be able to become a SNAP Workfare site. Workfare sites host SNAP participants who complete volunteer activities to meet federal SNAP work rules.

What is SNAP WorkfareWhy participateFAQ Get started

What is SNAP Workfare

SNAP Workfare is part of Oregon's SNAP Employment and Training program.

  • It helps some adults who receive SNAP meet federal work rules so they can keep their food benefits. 
  • It also gives participants a chance to build work experience, strengthen skills and connect with community services. 
  • As a Workfare site, your organization can host participants who volunteer their time to help with important work that supports your mission. 
  • SNAP Workfare is for people with "able-bodied adults without dependents" (ABAWD) status for SNAP.

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Who can participate

Community organizations may be able to participate if they can provide:

  • A safe place for participants to complete tasks
  • Meaningful volunteer activities that support your mission
  • Basic supervision
  • A small investment in workers' compensation coverage

Examples include:
Nonprofit organizations, food banks and food pantries, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and other eligible community partners.

Not sure if your organization qualifies? Email us and we'll help you review your options.

Why become a Workfare site

Workfare helps both your organization and the people you serve.

Your organization can:

  • Get extra help with projects and day-to-day tasks
  • Increase capacity without adding staff
  • Support community members as they build skills and work history
  • Strengthen your impact in the community

Participants can:

  • Complete volunteer activities that help them meet SNAP work rules
  • Build job skills and work experience
  • Connect with community services and local organizations
  • Keep their SNAP food benefits if they stay eligible

What your organization provides

As a Workfare site, your organization provides:

  • A safe place to complete tasks
  • Simple supervision
  • Meaningful work activities
  • Workers' compensation coverage for participants

We are here to help you decide if Workfare is a good fit for your organization. We work with you to explain what's needed before your site begins and help you get started.

What we provide

ODHS provides tools, guidance and technical help:

  • Onboarding support
  • Program guidance
  • Questions about eligible activities
  • Forms and documentation
  • Ongoing technical assistance 

We believe strong partnerships help communities thrive.

Get started

Step 1. Contact us

Reach out to the SNAP Employment and Training team to tell us you are interested. 

Email us

Step 2. Talk with us about your volunteer opportunities

We'll talk about the kinds of tasks your organization needs help with and whether they are a good fit for Workfare.

Step 3. Submit an application

Application form

Email your completed application to snap.employmentandtraining@odhs.oregon.gov.

Step 4. Complete onboarding

We'll guide you through the steps to become a Workfare site, including any forms, agreements and program requirements.

Step 5. Start hosting participants

Once your site is approved, you can begin hosting participants who complete volunteer activities at your organization.

Want to learn more?

Email us

Please include:

  • Your organization name
  • Your county or service area
  • A short description of the volunteer opportunities you may be able to offer

Frequently asked questions

​No. Workfare participants complete volunteer activities at your site to meet SNAP work rules.​​

​No. Many organizations can use existing volunteer opportunities if they meet program requirements.​

​Yes. Your organization provides basic supervision and a safe place for participants to complete activities.​

​There may be a small cost for workers' compensation coverage. We can explain what applies to your organization.​

​The timeline depends on your organization and the type of opportunities you offer. Our team can walk you through the next steps.​