Practice

SNAP theft and fraud are on the rise. Learn how to protect your SNAP funds and report theft below.

Breakfast has long been hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. When it comes to K-12 students, ensuring they start their day with a nutritious meal is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. That’s where Breakfast After the Bell programs come in, reimagining how schools approach morning nutrition.

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist State Updates State Question 832 is a state question proposing to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma and will be put to a vote of the people, but it won’t be on November 5. According to Misha Mohr, public information officer at the State Election Board, […]

As the new school year starts, the excitement is in the air! Kids are meeting their teachers and reuniting with friends, while parents are busy gathering school supplies to set their children up for success. Schools, teachers, and staff are working hard to ensure a smooth school year. Amidst all this energy, we’re excited to share some thrilling updates about the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Schools initiatives and how they can provide valuable support.

In recent days, we’ve been navigating a flurry of developments regarding the Summer EBT program and its future in our state. Here’s a quick overview of where things stand:

As the new school year starts, the excitement is in the air! Kids are meeting their teachers and reuniting with friends, while parents are busy gathering school supplies to set their children up for success. Schools, teachers, and staff are working hard to ensure a smooth school year. Amidst all this energy, we’re excited to share some thrilling updates about the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Schools initiatives and how they can provide valuable support.

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Legislative Updates 2024 Interim Studies Interim studies are an opportunity for legislators to learn more about a given issue before the next legislative session begins. The goal is to inform lawmakers’ next likely policy priorities. […]

In response to recent statements made by Governor Stitt’s office regarding the 2025 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, it is crucial to correct several inaccuracies and highlight the benefits of this federal initiative in addressing child hunger and food insecurity.

Mayor David Holt officially declared August 4-10 as Oklahoma City Farmers Market Week in alignment with National Farmers Market Week, celebrating the local farmers and producers who contribute to Oklahoma City’s rich agricultural heritage.

House Speaker Charles McCall will announce his approval or disapproval of proposed House interim studies no later than July 26. A few studies relevant to poverty, hunger, and child well-being include:

IS 24-048, Rep. Schreiber: Is lack of childcare an impediment to economic growth and sustainability for Oklahoma?

IS 24-055, Rep. Pae and Rep. Alonso-Sandoval: Rural Healthcare Access

IS 24-085, Rep. Caldwell: Low Income Housing for Homeless in Rural Areas

IS 24-096, Rep. Waldron, Sen. Kirt: Exploring County Jail Services and Diversion Programs in Oklahoma

IS 24-099, Rep. Waldron: Improving Family Outcomes through School-Based Social Work in Oklahoma

To view the full list of approved House interim studies, visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Committees/ShowInterimStudies.aspx.

One in six Oklahomans are food insecure, making Oklahoma one of the hungriest states in the country. Food insecurity is a complex issue with no single solution.  With rising food and housing costs, it will take a sustained community effort to end food insecurity in the state.

What does a sustained community effort look like?

A sustained community effort involves ongoing collaboration, education, support, and resource sharing among various stakeholders. It requires consistent engagement from local organizations and partnerships to create a robust network of support.

To amplify the voices of those who experience hunger and food insecurity, Hunger Free Oklahoma is launching the Lived Experience and Resource Network (LEARN) Workshop that includes a paid eight-month program beginning September 2024 for Tulsa and surrounding area residents.

The Oklahoma Legislature adjourned from regular session on May 30, 2024, one day before constitutionally required. Since then, the Governor signed the budget and many additional bills into law. While the legislative session is over, there were several missed opportunities to invest in improving food security for Oklahomans. We will continue our work in the interim to build a better understanding of the issues for state legislators.

On June 5, a team representing Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO), the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma went to Washington, D.C. where they discussed the upcoming Farm Bill with our Oklahoma delegation. For several, it was their first time to make Congressional visits. Here is a glimpse into some of their experiences, proving that anyone passionate about these issues can engage with their elected officials.

The Muscogee Nation is partnering with the Chickasaw Nation, the Cherokee Nation, Hunger Free Oklahoma, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to introduce the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) to the Muscogee Nation Reservation. Summer EBT provides additional nutritional support to eligible children during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals.

As summer approaches, households with school-age children can find themselves in a tough position. Without school to supplement some of their kids’ nutrition needs throughout the day, grocery budgets get stretched and what a family can afford may be limited.

YAC is an intergenerational approach to authentic youth engagement and we follow the Ladder of Youth Voice, adopted by Adam Fletcher. The lowest levels of the ladder represent programs with youth who are not able to make decisions on the projects they work on, the activities they do, and can appear to be in token roles. The highest levels of the ladder represent programs with youth who are leading projects, making decisions, practicing conflict resolution, and embodying a youth-driving atmosphere. We strive for youth/adult equity in our Youth Action Council program at Hunger Free Oklahoma.

Budget negotiations seem to be drawing to a close, just in the nick of time as the Legislature’s May 31 deadline to adjourn sine die swiftly approaches. Last week, House and Senate leaders reported reaching an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, and even scheduled sessions on Memorial Day to tie up loose strings before the end of the week.

“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

This quote hangs in my office as a daily reminder to myself and others. A reminder that true advocacy is not just about fighting for what matters to you – it is about inspiring others to join the conversation. Justice Ginsburg’s words are especially important in reflection of Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol.

It’s a busy week at the Capitol! February 26 and 29 are the first series of deadlines for filed legislation to make it out of committee. While it’s still early in the session, after this week we’ll have a better idea of which bills stand a fighting chance to make it all the way to the Governor’s desk.

Just eight months ago, I received an email which said the following: “Hunger and poverty exist EVERYWHERE.” The reminder came a few weeks after accepting an invitation to join the Congressional Hunger Center’s 30th class of Emerson Fellows. For those not familiar with the program, the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship trains and inspires new leaders in the movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States. Fellows gain vital first-hand experience through placements with community-based organizations across the country coupled with policy-focused organizations in Washington, D.C.

At the beginning of March, Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) team members joined the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) annual conference in Tulsa. During this two-day event, HFO staff engaged with public, school-based, and university library staff about opportunities to address hunger in their communities. HFO had the opportunity to share ways to get connected in anti-hunger work through several presentations, including topics on summer meals tips, SNAP outreach, and resources for libraries to get involved in feeding programs. 

It’s a busy week at the Capitol! February 26 and 29 are the first series of deadlines for filed legislation to make it out of committee. While it’s still early in the session, after this week we’ll have a better idea of which bills stand a fighting chance to make it all the way to the Governor’s desk.

There’s no easy way to say this… school breakfast participation across Oklahoma is down. Average Daily Participation (ADP*) in school breakfast dropped by 9.8% from School Year (SY) 2021-2022 to SY 2022-2023.

The decline in school meals participation could stem from multiple factors. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) notes, “Rising food costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions, coupled with the return of charging for meals, have contributed to reports of declining participation in many school districts. Families have been confused about the change from pandemic operations; stigma surrounding school meal participation and school meal debt has returned; and schools are burdened with increased administrative work.”