Change doesn’t happen overnight, especially at the federal level. But regularly showing up, building relationships, and sharing real stories from Oklahomans are the actions that ultimately move the needle.
In the spirit of this approach, earlier this month Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) organized a powerful trip to Washington, D.C. for several of our partners. Our group met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the urgent need to address food insecurity in our state and across the nation.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) that passed this summer made some of the most serious changes to SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, since the beginning of the program. You can read more about those changes here.
As we see the impacts of HR 1 begin, Oklahoma nonprofits will be the ones handling the fallout as accessing food assistance becomes more difficult. Partners spoke candidly in our meetings with the Oklahoma delegation.
The group shared about the increase in lines for services, seeing families reaching out for help for the first time.
The group shared how cuts to SNAP and other crucial programs only lengthen these lines.
The group shared about the simultaneous decrease in donations and increased need.
The group shared the things that keep us up at night.
Now, more than ever, policymakers need to hear directly from the people and organizations on the ground about the impact of their decisions. Every conversation helps build awareness, influence policy, and moves us closer to a future where all Oklahomans have reliable access to the food they need.
Though our message was serious, these conversations with our delegation gave us some hope. The policymakers and their staff listened to our concerns and took them seriously. Again, change doesn’t happen overnight, and you don’t always get what you ask for. But if you bring realistic asks you are more likely to see those asks become reality.
HFO and our partners are committed to this long-term fight. Together, we can transform systems, remove barriers, and ensure that access to nutritious food is a right, not a privilege.
Thank you to those that were able to join us for these important meetings: Alison Anthony, President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way; Stacy Dykstra, CEO of Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma; Carrie Vesely Henderson, Executive Director of Iron Gate Tulsa; Jeff Marlow, CEO of Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma; Daniel Matthews, Executive Director of the Community Market of Pottawatomie County; Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma; Megan Quickle, Executive Director of Broken Arrow Neighbors; and our own Chris Bernard, President and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.