Statement attributed to Chris Bernard, President & CEO, Hunger Free Oklahoma
5/7/26 – Tulsa, OK: Yesterday, Governor Stitt issued an executive order mandating new reporting and verification requirements for Oklahomans seeking essential services like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. The following statement is attributable to Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.
“This executive order is a redundant measure that creates confusion and fear for Oklahomans trying to put food on the table.
Federal law already requires rigorous citizenship and immigration status verification for these programs. Oklahoma’s state agencies have long complied with these strict federal standards. This order does not ‘close a loophole’; rather, it risks creating a chilling effect that will frighten eligible, lawfully present families, including thousands of children who are U.S. citizens, away from the nutrition assistance they need to thrive.
Furthermore, relying on the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system as a trigger for law enforcement referrals is deeply concerning.
Using an imperfect database as a basis for law enforcement notification turns administrative hurdles into legal threats. Oklahomans should not have to choose between feeding their children and the fear of an unnecessary report to authorities.
At a time when food insecurity remains a critical issue in our state, our focus should be on efficiently and accurately serving Oklahomans who are eligible for benefits, not on building new walls of red tape and unnecessary fear and confusion that will deepen hunger in our communities.”
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Hunger Free Oklahoma is an anti-hunger organization dedicated to improving food access for all Oklahomans. HFO leverages the power of collaboration to solve hunger in Oklahoma by improving systems, policies, and practices. Learn more at HungerFreeOK.org.