For many families with children, child care is the most expensive item in the family budget, no matter where they
Survival Budget
Survival Budget
Latest Articles
No matter where you live in Oregon, it takes more than $77,000 per year for a couple to raise two
How much income do families across Oregon need to get by? The federal poverty guidelines, unfortunately, provide an unsatisfactory answer.
If you’re wondering what a “Happy Meal” costs, by all means go to McDonald’s. But if what you want to
How much income do families across Oregon need to get by? The federal poverty guidelines, unfortunately, provide an unsatisfactory answer.
Calculator for basic family budget needs in Oregon available online
Percentage of all households that are “food insecure with hunger” and “food insecure,” by state, 1997-99 State Food insecure with
News Release A report released today by the Oregon Center for Public Policy provides the first look behind Oregon’s high
Introduction Which one of your neighbors is going hungry? Count off 17 homes in your neighborhood, and then choose one
Latest Podcasts

Underpaid, Overworked, and Essential: Oregon’s Long-Term Care Crisis
In this episode, we examine the crisis in Oregon’s system of long-term care. Demand for long-term care is rising as
January 8, 2026

Income Inequality in Oregon: What Does the Latest Data Show?
Income inequality in Oregon remains vast, but history shows this is not inevitable.
December 11, 2025

How Trump Is Hiding Hunger and Why Poverty Persists
This episode examines what the end of the federal food security report means for Oregon, as well as why poverty is a policy failure, not an individual failure.
November 13, 2025

A Labor Day wish for a strong safety net