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HFO President/CEO Chris Bernard discusses food insecurity in Oklahoma with Sam Jones of RSU Public TV.
Hunger Free Oklahoma in the News
Read news coverage highlighting Hunger Free Oklahoma team members and work.
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KOKI: Hunger Free Oklahoma says proposed SNAP changes could harm families and local economies
“ ‘These proposals would penalize states with smaller tax bases and create more barriers for families already struggling to make ends meet,’ Bernard said. ‘SNAP works. Undermining it through punitive state cost shares and benefit limitations only takes food off the table of thousands of Oklahomans.’ ”
KOKH: House GOP’s new SNAP reforms could cost Oklahoma up to $375M annually
“ ‘This kind of policy punishes states with fewer resources,’ Bernard added. ‘It also undermines a core principle of the program: the ability to expand and contract in response to economic conditions. Under this cost-sharing plan, states would be required to contribute more during economic downturns—precisely when they face declining revenue and increased pressure to cut spending.’ “
Tulsa World: Oklahoma’s consistent hunger rate hides rising need
“ ‘The good news is that the programs are working as intended and eligible people are accessing programs they need,” Bernard said. “Without these increases in resources, food insecurity would be worse. That is good news, but there is another narrative that people are struggling more. A lot of work happened under the last Trump administration, and we can do good work no matter who is in office. What people are afraid of is whether there are going to be purposeful roadblocks to stop the progress we’ve made.’ “
The Oklahoman: Oklahoma kids in need can get $120 for groceries this summer — but only on tribal lands
“ ‘If people want to make sure every kid in Oklahoma has access, not just kids who live on tribal lands, they need to be calling their state legislators and telling them it’s something they want to see,’ [Chris] Bernard said.”
SBG: USDA tells states to boost SNAP verification so illegal immigrants don’t get benefits
“ ‘You don’t want to be paying money to folks who don’t qualify, but that really is a result of overregulation of the program in the first place and making it so complicated that people don’t understand what you’re asking for, or even understand if they’re eligible,’ [Chris Bernard] said.”
NPR: There’s a growing call to restrict junk food purchases by SNAP users, but experts say it’s complex
“ ‘There’s really no common definition of healthy. And so what do you mean when you talk about healthy?” [Richard] Comeau, [Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Chief Program Officer] said. ‘If we ban any sugar sweetened grain product, we might be eliminating things like Honey Nut Cheerios, which we know have a good impact on people’s heart health.’ “
KFOR: Advocates gather to help end hunger across Oklahoma
“ ‘I think what we see is a crisis on the horizon if we don’t take the right steps and protect what we already have in place,’ said Chris Bernard, the CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.”
News On 6: Oklahoma food banks brace for impact of USDA funding cuts
” ‘It’s not unreasonable to say 30% of Oklahomans rely on this system and we’re seeing talk of cuts at every point, and that’s concerning,’ said Bernard, ‘There’s no discussion of how to make it better, just how to make it smaller.’ “
KFOR: Programs funneling farmers’ food to schools, food banks cut
“ ‘Really the hardest hit area is your local growers and food hubs that help sort of consolidate the products into one place that the schools and food banks can buy from,’ said Chris Bernard, CEO and president, Hunger Free Oklahoma.”
KFOR: Proposed federal SNAP cuts could cost Oklahoma $300 million a year
“ ‘These funds are crucial to families and communities and while it may save some funds for the budget in the short term, it has serious long term impacts,’ said Jessica Dietrich, director of government relations and public policy, Hunger Free Oklahoma.”
The Luther Register: Fighting Hunger in Oklahoma—Amid Federal Funding Threats
“ ‘Cuts to SNAP will increase food insecurity and damage our local economies,’ said Hunger Free Oklahoma President/CEO Chris Bernard.”
Farm Talk: Local Food Summit offers growers strategies, inspiration
“Lauran Larson grew up in rural Western Oklahoma without giving much thought to whether dinner came from the garden or a can. Now she is at the forefront of a movement focused on how access to fresh healthy food can improve public health.”
KJRH: Ascension St. John gives $15M to help underserved communities
“ ‘They understand that health doesn’t just happen when you walk in a doctor’s office,’ said Michelle Brobston. ‘It happens with what happens at home.’ ”
The Journal Record: Home Creations donates $10K to Hunger Free Oklahoma
” ‘We are so grateful to Home Creations for supporting this project to ensure 106,000 central Oklahoma children have access to the food they need over the summer,’ said Chris Bernard, CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma. ‘Every dollar donated towards this project will be multiplied more than tenfold in impact.’ ”
KJRH: How could a federal grant freeze impact Green Country?
“ ‘While some of us are in a position that we have other dollars, and we can risk that for a while, others are not,” said Bernard. ‘At the same time, it’s uncertainty for people who rely on these programs, and that’s a much bigger crisis.’ ”
KFOR: Proposed bill aims to help more Ok students qualify for free, reduced-price lunches
“ ‘We know that test scores in Oklahoma, particularly in reading and math, are some of the lowest in the country and we also know that our food insecurity rates are some of the highest in the country and those things aren’t a coincidence,’ said Jessica Dietrich, director of government relations and public policy for Hunger Free Oklahoma.”
The Oklahoman: Proposed bill would help more Oklahoma kids qualify for free, reduced-price school lunches
“The effort would help an additional 150,000 children qualify for the program. Approximately 425,000 Oklahoma children currently receive reduced-price or free lunches, according to Hunger Free Oklahoma CEO Chris Bernard.”
KFOR: Reimbursement funds expire for stolen SNAP benefits
“ ‘The fact that we haven’t said SNAP recipients deserve the same protections as any American with a bank account, if you are hacked and your money is stolen, your bank replaces it and SNAP should be the same way,’ said Bernard.”
KWTV: New short-term budget leaves out victims of stolen SNAP benefits
” ‘It boggles my mind that this is one of the things that needed to be taken out for this to pass,’ said Chris Bernard, CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma. ‘I can’t imagine who decided this was a controversial issue they couldn’t vote yes on when it’s common sense.’ “
Tulsa World: Oklahoma needs to improve anti-poverty programs, advocates say
“According to Dietrich, who directs policy and government relations at Hunger Free Oklahoma, the federal government allows states flexibility to raise the income threshold on SNAP benefits to 200% of federal poverty level guidelines for families.”
Tulsa World: Ginnie Graham: Tribes recognize that politics doesn’t belong in feeding hungry children
“It was a lot of boots on the ground. But every time we hit a hurdle, we had leadership saying, ‘No, we’ll make that happen. We’ll put the resources here,’” Bernard said. “It is the most collaborative thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
2News: NOT RENEWED: Stitt opts out of 2025 Summer EBT Assistances
Watch Chris Bernard talk to 2News about the state’s decision to opt out of the Summer EBT program in 2025.
KFOR: Oklahoma tribes participate in federal food programs
Watch Chris Bernard call on the state to participate in the Summer EBT program in 2025.
The Journal Record: Farm Bill roundtable addresses Oklahoma hunger crisis
“Our public polling tells us that 82% of Oklahomans, from every corner of the state, both sides of the aisle, and across demographics, believe that Congress should be doing more to address hunger, says Bernard.”
KFOR: Advocates rally at the State Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day
Watch coverage of Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol, held April 22, 2024, including an interview with Chris Bernard.
News9 (MitchellTalks Podcast): Hunger in Oklahoma: Facts, Damages & Solutions
“In this discussion, the group talks about how organizations work with partners to address child food insecurity by leveraging federal nutrition programs. The panel also addresses how food insecurity directly impacts Oklahoma children and families.”
Mvskoke Media: Principal Chief Signs Tribal Law Bringing Summer EBT Program to Muscogee Reservation
“We’re so proud to partner with the Muscogee Nation as we continue to fight hunger in Oklahoma,” Hunger Free Oklahoma President/CEO Chris Bernard said. “We want to thank Chief Hill and Second Chief Beaver and the National Council for their vision and for caring for their communities.”
The Oklahoman: Muscogee Nation will join summer food aid program rejected by Oklahoma governor
“The program will be funded with $14.7 million from the USDA, $1.9 million from the Muscogee Nation and $1 million from Hunger Free Oklahoma, a nonprofit focused on reducing food insecurity.”
New York Times: 15 G.O.P. Governors Shut Out Food Aid for 8 Million Children.
“Chris Bernard, president and chief executive of Hunger Free Oklahoma, an advocacy group, said he was disappointed by the state’s response given its strong track record on combating hunger in recent years.”
The Washington Post: Republican governors in 15 states reject summer food money for kids
“Chris Bernard, the chief executive of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said that with the state not opting into the program, an estimated 300,000 children won’t have access to the summer monetary benefit when school lets out.”
The Oklahoman: Why policymakers need to invest in programs that address Oklahoman’s food insecurity.
“We are extremely disappointed that the state says it is not able to implement Summer EBT for 2024, and we are committed to working with and holding the state accountable to ensure implementation in 2025 and beyond.”
Watch
Listen
OEA Episode 149 – Hunger Free Oklahoma
January 12, 2024: Chris Bernard speaks with the Oklahoma Education Association (OAE) about school meals and the 2024 Summer EBT program decision.
Why You Should Donate Food & Blood
June 15, 2022: Chris Bernard talks food insecurity with Tulsa Area United Way, one of our community collaborations.
Hunger in the News
Read news coverage about hunger issues, opportunities, and improvements affecting Oklahomans.
The Oklahoman: Proposed bill would help more Oklahoma kids qualify for free, reduced-price school lunches
“The effort would help an additional 150,000 children qualify for the program. Approximately 425,000 Oklahoma children currently receive reduced-price or free lunches, according to Hunger Free Oklahoma CEO Chris Bernard.”
KWTV: New short-term budget leaves out victims of stolen SNAP benefits
” ‘It boggles my mind that this is one of the things that needed to be taken out for this to pass,’ said Chris Bernard, CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma. ‘I can’t imagine who decided this was a controversial issue they couldn’t vote yes on when it’s common sense.’ “
The Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Stitt opted out of summer food program for the second year in a row
“Hunger Free Oklahoma President and CEO Chris Bernard said he was baffled that the governor rejected the federal assistance a second year in a row, especially when the state has participated in the past. ‘We’re saying no because of some political talking points and ideology. It doesn’t make sense,’ he said.”
The Washington Post: A mom struggles to feed her kids after GOP states reject federal funds
“Trent, on the other hand, will hardly ever say what’s worrying him, but he’ll instruct his sisters to keep quiet and not bother their mother. About a month ago, he broke down and asked her, ‘Would it be easier if I wasn’t here?’ They both wept.”
Oklahoma Voice: Oklahoma lawmakers to consider expanding school meal programs, but GOP views vary
“We do believe in stronger local food systems, and we’d love to see kids eat more fresh vegetables,” Bernard said. “This was a way to kind of include all those things to make it more economically viable for schools, build the local food system (and) create healthier options.”
The Oklahoman: Oklahoma declines to join new summer food program for children, a disappointment to some child advocates
“We are always in the bottom 10 in the country in terms of food security,” Bernard said. “Families and kids are struggling for sure, and the (summer food) program was something we’ve supported for a long time.”
Reimbursement funds expire for stolen SNAP benefits
“ ‘The fact that we haven’t said SNAP recipients deserve the same protections as any American with a bank account, if you are hacked and your money is stolen, your bank replaces it and SNAP should be the same way,’ said Bernard.”
KFOR: Stitt declines to participate in federal children’s summer lunch program for second year
” ‘I think it shows a basic lack of connection to people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet,’ Hunger Free Oklahoma CEO Chris Bernard said. ‘The only explanation I have is that it’s putting a political ideology in a election year to the best interests of Oklahomans.’ ”
KOCO: Groups working to feed Oklahomans disappointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to opt out of summer feeding program two years in a row
” ‘Disappointment would be an understatement; I think it’s the wrong decision, I think it’s wrong for Oklahoma kids, and I think we’re leaving a ton of Oklahoma’s taxpayer dollars in DC to go to another state,’ Bernard said.”
The Washington Post: Republican governors in 15 states reject summer food money for kids
“Chris Bernard, the chief executive of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said that with the state not opting into the program, an estimated 300,000 children won’t have access to the summer monetary benefit when school lets out.”
The Black Wall Street Times: New WIC Rules Expand Healthy Food Options
“The last time WIC was permanently updated was a decade ago; however, there was a temporary change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a few of the new rules are similar to COVID-era changes, which provide cash vouchers for fresh and healthy food options.”
New York Times: 15 G.O.P. Governors Shut Out Food Aid for 8 Million Children
“Chris Bernard, president and chief executive of Hunger Free Oklahoma, an advocacy group, said he was disappointed by the state’s response given its strong track record on combating hunger in recent years.”
Pressroom
For media inquiries, contact Melissa Marshall, Communications and PR Manager: 405-850-0467.
- SNAP Works. Hunger Free Oklahoma Opposes Shifting SNAP Costs to States, Warns of Harm to Families and Local EconomiesAs Congress engages in critical budget resolution discussions, we urge lawmakers to safeguard essential safety net programs that serve as lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans. Proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other vital services threaten not only the well-being of vulnerable populations, but also Oklahoma’s economic stability and health.
- Congress Should Protect Essential Safety Net Programs Amid Budget DeliberationsAs Congress engages in critical budget resolution discussions, we urge lawmakers to safeguard essential safety net programs that serve as lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans. Proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other vital services threaten not only the well-being of vulnerable populations, but also Oklahoma’s economic stability and health.
- Hunger Free Oklahoma responds to Governor Stitt’s office’s statement on decision to opt out of Summer EBT for the second year in a row.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 Holt Proclaims August 4-10 as Oklahoma City Farmers Market WeekMayor 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.
- Hunger Free Oklahoma Releases Statement on USDA’s 2022 Household Food Security in the United States ReportThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its 2022 Household Food Security in the United States report this week. The USDA report shows a national increase in food insecurity rates, and state-level data reports Oklahoma’s food insecurity rate is higher than the national average.
- Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Chief Program Officer Richard Comeau is Awarded an Aspen Institute Food Leaders FellowshipRichard Comeau, Chief Program Officer for Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO), was recently welcomed to Aspen, Colorado, where he began his tenure as a Food Leaders Fellow of the Aspen Institute. The 2023 Food Leaders Fellows include entrepreneurs, investors, and civic and nonprofit leaders dedicated to changing the food system to eradicate food and nutrition insecurity, support entrepreneurs and farmers, and push forward sustainable solutions.
- Stacy Dean, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Visits OklahomaIn a significant effort to address and tackle pressing food security challenges, Stacy Dean, the highest-ranking official in USDA’s food security division, is visiting eastern Oklahoma today and tomorrow to meet with Hunger Free Oklahoma and others to discuss vital updates and initiatives concerning food security.
- Two Sand Springs Cash Saver locations now doubling the value of SNAP for fruits and vegetablesSand Springs residents won’t have to choose between eating enough and eating healthy thanks to Double Up Oklahoma (DUO), a nutrition incentive program operated by Hunger Free Oklahoma. When customers make a purchase with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card at Cash Savers in Sand Springs, those purchases will now be matched, dollar for dollar, with DUO Bucks redeemable on fresh produce.
- Hunger Free Oklahoma Applauds Permanent Child Nutrition Investments in OmnibusCongress is on the cusp of advancing a critical end-of-year omnibus spending package that will make two much-needed, though limited, improvements to federal child nutrition programs.
- Hunger Free Oklahoma Adds Doug McDurham to Executive TeamBased in Oklahoma City, Doug McDurham will spearhead strategic communications and fund development initiatives at HFO.