In 2020, southern Oregon was ravaged by devastating wildfires that left at least 11 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed. Amidst this crisis, farm workers faced a harsh dilemma: continue working in hazardous conditions or lose their daily wages. The aftermath of the Almeda fires, now recorded as Oregon’s most destructive, brought forth significant challenges for these workers and their families. A local non-profit, Rogue Food Unites, stepped up to provide immediate relief through hot meals and food boxes, eventually transitioning to a weekly farmers market offering free produce. This initiative not only aids those affected by the disaster but also supports local farms recovering from both the wildfires and the pandemic. Additionally, the region grapples with an ongoing affordable housing crisis, exacerbated by rising rents post-disaster, further straining already tight budgets.

The impact of the wildfires on southern Oregon has been profound. Farm workers, who are often among the first to feel the brunt of climate-related disasters, were particularly hard-hit. After the Almeda fires, Rogue Food Unites emerged as a beacon of hope, initially providing emergency food assistance to survivors. As recovery efforts stretched on, the organization launched a weekly farmers market that offers free eggs, fruits, and vegetables without any questions about income or immigration status. This market serves a dual purpose: it provides essential nutrition to those in need while supporting local, independently owned farms striving to recover from multiple crises. Jesus Rios, the client liaison manager at Rogue Food Unites, emphasized the inclusivity of the market, welcoming all families, especially those involved in farming and seasonal work.

Before the fires, southern Oregon already faced a severe affordable housing crisis. In Medford, over half of renters spent more than one-third of their income on housing. Post-disaster, rents have surged, tightening budgets even further. Maria, an undocumented restaurant worker, lost nearly everything during the Almeda fires, including her home and savings. Since then, she and her family have relied heavily on the farmers market to offset the rising cost of living. Reyna Lopez, director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), highlighted that housing costs remain the biggest concern for farm workers, many of whom earn less than $25,000 annually. Due to their immigration status, many of these workers cannot access federal assistance programs like SNAP, leaving them vulnerable to food insecurity.

Activists are pushing for policy changes to address these issues. In 2023, PCUN and allied organizations backed a bill called "Food for All Oregonians," which would create a state-funded SNAP-like program for Oregonians excluded from federal benefits due to immigration status. Although the bill did not pass in 2023, advocates plan to reintroduce it soon. If successful, this initiative could benefit over 60,000 people in Oregon, easing eligibility requirements and streamlining the application process. Additionally, recent legislative victories, such as expanding overtime benefits for farm workers and implementing stronger heat and smoke protections, highlight ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and quality of life for these communities.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement to ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, has access to essential resources. The proposed "Food for All Oregonians" bill aims to bridge this gap, recognizing that basic human dignity includes the right to adequate nutrition. As advocates continue to push for change, they emphasize the importance of financial security and equitable access to resources. For individuals like Maria, the struggle continues, but so does the hope for a better future where no one goes hungry. The resilience and determination of these communities underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the intersecting crises of climate change, housing, and food insecurity.