Partnership brings critical summer nutrition support to more Oklahoma children
Tulsa, OK: June 2, 2025 — The Chickasaw Nation, in partnership with Hunger Free Oklahoma, is expanding access to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT or SEBT) program to families in Oklahoma and Cleveland Counties. This collaboration will bring a crucial benefit to the approximately 100,000 children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals during the summer months.
Summer EBT provides eligible families with a nutritious food package worth approximately $120 per child, for the summer while school is out. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at authorized grocery stores throughout Oklahoma and Cleveland counties, giving families the flexibility to purchase the foods their kids need to stay healthy and nourished. Summer EBT is a proven strategy to reduce childhood food insecurity and increase access to healthy foods. According to the Urban Institute, Oklahoma families who received Summer EBT benefits in 2024 reported lower rates of food insecurity than households that did not receive the program benefits. They also reported greater budget relief, better access to fruits and vegetables and funds to spend on other household necessities.
During the summer months, many children face a higher risk of hunger. By expanding SEBT access in Oklahoma and Cleveland Counties, this partnership helps ensure more families can fill the gap in nutrition for their children. This expansion will increase the reach of Summer EBT by 50% in Oklahoma, reaching over 300,000 children across the state with Chickasaw Nation and Hunger Free Oklahoma serving approximately 150,000 students critical summer food resources.
“Through our partnership with Hunger Free Oklahoma, we can help keep Oklahoma children fed and nourished during the summer months when school is out,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “Hunger Free Oklahoma and its many generous contributors help keep our children healthy, active and prepared to meet any challenge.”
“Expanding SEBT into these two counties is a huge victory in fighting child hunger over the summer,” said Chris Bernard, President and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma. “We’re proud to partner with the Chickasaw Nation on Summer EBT again this year and grateful for their bold leadership to expand this critical support to even more Oklahoma families. We are also grateful for the private foundations, partners and businesses who contributed funding toward the administrative costs of the program to make this expansion possible. There is not a better example to show that we can accomplish great things when we work together.”
The Chickasaw Nation has been a long-time leader in administering Summer EBT and other nutrition programs, using its expertise to serve both First Americans and non-First American families.
This partnership not only supports families across Oklahoma but also strengthens the local economy by generating an estimated $40 million in economic impact for local grocery stores and communities.
What Families Need to Know About Summer EBT:
Passive Enrollment
If children qualify for free and/or reduced-price school meals and are enrolled at a participating school, you may not need to apply for Summer EBT benefits. Students’ eligibility is determined from school enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. You can check to see if your school is participating and learn more about next steps by visiting OKSEBT.org. Do not worry, participation in the program does not affect your participation in other food assistance programs like WIC or SNAP. When you receive your EBT card in the mail, you will also receive information about how and where it may be used.
To learn more about the program, visit OKSEBT.org. Please contact Hunger Free Oklahoma at (918) 213-4855 before applying to determine if an application is needed.
Application
To be eligible to receive Summer EBT benefits, a student must attend an eligible school district, and meet one of the following:
- Participate in the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program at school
- Meet the income guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch
Home school students may also qualify if they live within the Chickasaw Nation’s 13 counties or within Oklahoma or Cleveland Counties and participate in the following programs: SNAP, WIC, Medicaid (SoonerCare), TANF, or Head Start, or the child is a migrant, homeless, foster, or run away.
If you believe your children are eligible, you can call Hunger Free Oklahoma at (918) 213-4855 to determine if your child’s school submitted an application for your child or complete an application online at OKSEBT.org. If your child does not attend a participating school but may be eligible, please complete an application at Chickasaw.net/SummerEBT and apply or call (580) 272-1178. Applications are open from April 15, 2025, to August 29, 2025. If you need assistance completing an application, or if you have questions, contact the OKSEBT Helpline at (918) 213-4855. Translation services are available, and applications can be completed over the phone.
You will need to provide your child’s name, school, and date of birth, along with the names of the people in your household, your household income and address where the benefit card should be sent.
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About the Chickasaw Nation
With 82,000 citizens, the Chickasaw Nation is a democratic republic with executive, legislative and judicial departments elected by its citizens. The treaty territory of the tribe includes 7,648 square miles of south-central Oklahoma and encompasses all or parts of 13 Oklahoma counties. The Chickasaw Nation contributes billions to the Oklahoma economy annually and employs more than 14,500 workers.
Hunger Free Oklahoma is an anti-hunger organization dedicated to improving food access for all Oklahoma. HFO leverages the power of collaboration to solve hunger in Oklahoma by improving systems, policies, and practices. Learn more at HungerFreeOK.org.