Hunger Free Oklahoma Blog

4/1/26 – Tulsa, OK: Hunger Free Oklahoma’s 2026 Food is Medicine Landscape Analysis highlights health improvements, access gaps, and opportunities to expand nutrition-based healthcare programs across Oklahoma.

“A hungry kid cannot learn, but a well-supported student, with quality meal service and quality instruction, will thrive. In Elk City, Oklahoma, we have the numbers to prove it!”

That conviction from Superintendent Mike Sparks sits at the heart of the transformation underway at Elk City Public Schools. Superintendent Sparks, recently named the 2025 OASA District 12 Superintendent of the Year, attributes the district’s academic progress to a powerful combination: strengthened child nutrition programs paired with data-driven instruction.

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates Legislative session is quickly springing forward. Between committee deadlines, Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol, and some surprising changes to the upcoming Congressional midterm elections, there’s a lot to cover. Below is an updated list […]

Most of the work of getting produce into grocery stores, restaurants, and homes is done by immigrants. Immigrants are the foundation of the U.S. agriculture system, not only as workers but also as consumers. Yet many are left vulnerable to exploitation, poverty, and food insecurity despite everything they contribute to our agricultural system and economy.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates The 2026 Oklahoma legislative session is off to a busy start. Below is a list of the top bills we are tracking this session. As you might notice, this list is significantly longer compared to previous sessions. This demonstrates the legislature’s increased interest […]

1/26/26 – Tulsa, OK: Hunger Free Oklahoma has consistently championed the efficient and fair administration of government programs that support long-term economic stability for Oklahomans. We support Governor Stitt’s calls for increased transparency, reduced bureaucracy, and thoughtful mitigation of benefit cliffs to improve program operations.

One day into my fellowship with The Congressional Hunger Center, the federal government shut down. What seemed like an inconvenience that might last a few days, or at worst, a couple of weeks, dragged on throughout my entire first month in the anti-hunger, anti-poverty policy space.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist Welcome to 2026! Our team is rested and ready to tackle hunger and food policy in the new year. If you’re new to Capitol Insider, we share updates on news and policy changes at the state, federal, and administrative levels that touch on […]

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist We wish you glad tidings in our final edition of Capitol Insider 2025! This year has been eventful, and we appreciate that you have read along through this constantly changing policy environment. We’re looking forward to […]

Dear Supporters and Partners,
This year reminded us of what it means to show up for our communities and that the path to success is not always a straight line. Together, with partners across Oklahoma, we expanded access to proven programs, responded to urgent challenges, and continued building the systems that help families thrive. We also advocated against sweeping changes to SNAP and the food safety net. While we lessened the damage, we could not stop it all.