Tulsa, OK: August 14, 2024 — 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.
“The data shows that running this program benefits Oklahoma children, families, and the economy. Refusing this program fails to bring tens of millions of our own tax dollars back to the state. Governor Stitt’s office’s statement puts political ideology over the wellbeing of 400,000 Oklahoma food-insecure children.” – Chris Bernard, President/CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.
Inaccurate Claim: Federal Program’s Ineffectiveness
The Governor’s office’s statement inaccurately characterized the Summer EBT program as ineffective and suggested it has floundered in other states. In reality, the Summer EBT program has demonstrated significant success in alleviating child hunger in numerous states across the nation. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates states with Summer EBT pilot programs have seen notable reductions in child food insecurity during summer months. While some states have encountered first-year implementation challenges, Oklahoma could use their experience as an opportunity to learn, rather than a deterrent.
Inaccurate Claim: Existing State Programs Are Sufficient
The Governor’s office’s statement has inaccurately claimed that state and local programs are sufficient to address child food insecurity. First, the statement lists four programs addressing child summer hunger, but neglects to note that three are referring to the same program and come from the very same USDA office as the Summer EBT program that is being declined. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program managed within our state by OSDE and offered in local communities by sponsors. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is one of the largest sponsors and the Be a Neighbor program is an online database which connects users to resources. Its listings for children’s summer meals mostly point to OSDE’s Summer Meal Program sites. Listing these as separate resources for Oklahoma families struggling to put food on the table is not accurate and has the potential to spur false hope. It is also important to note that the two major food banks in Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, both co-authored our letter urging the Governor to implement Summer EBT in 2025.
Though community partners across the state work hard to provide access to summer meals, in 2023, we ranked 48th in the nation for summer meal program participation. In the state that ranks 11th in child poverty and fifth in childhood food insecurity, it is not logical to suggest that such low program participation is sufficient. This nearly $50 million benefit far surpasses the charitable capacity of Oklahoma’s already strained nonprofit sector.
Approximately 250,000 children in Oklahoma were left out of Summer EBT this year due to the state’s decision to opt out of this new program. Hunger Free Oklahoma is thankful to Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and Muscogee Nation for implementing Summer EBT this summer in several Tribal areas.
While these federal programs provide valuable support, they often face limitations in coverage and funding, which can result in gaps in service. The Summer EBT program, also a federal initiative, is specifically designed to address these gaps by providing direct financial assistance to families. This targeted support helps ensure that children have access to nutritious food when school-based meal programs are unavailable. Dismissing the Summer EBT program overlooks its role in complementing existing programs and addressing the specific needs of food-insecure families during the summer months.
Grocery Tax Savings Not Targeted
The Governor’s office’s statement emphasizes the grocery tax elimination bill as a significant achievement, claiming an average savings of about $800 per year per household. While this is a commendable initiative, it does not directly address the specific needs of food-insecure children during the summer months. The Summer EBT program, on the other hand, is specifically designed to fill this critical gap by providing targeted assistance where it is most needed.
Community Partnerships and Federal Support
The Governor’s office’s remarks suggest an over-reliance on community partners to bridge the food security gap. While community organizations play a crucial role, the Summer EBT program complements their efforts by providing additional resources and ensuring that no child goes hungry. Federal programs like Summer EBT are designed to work in tandem with state and local initiatives, enhancing overall effectiveness and reach. Further, many of those same community partners signed on to our letter to the Governor in support of the state implementing the program in 2025. To date, over 70 organizations and 700 individuals signed on supporting Summer EBT in 2025.
Conclusion
The Governor’s office’s dismissal of the Summer EBT program prioritizes political ideology ahead of data and overlooks its proven effectiveness in combating child hunger. It also does not acknowledge the limitations of existing state programs. It is essential for our state to leverage all available resources, including federal support, to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food year-round.
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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 https://www.hungerfreeok.org.