by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
This quote hangs in my office as a daily reminder to myself and others. A reminder that true advocacy is not just about fighting for what matters to you – it is about inspiring others to join the conversation. Justice Ginsburg’s words are especially important in reflection of Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol.
On April 22, well over one hundred community and organization advocates joined Hunger Free Oklahoma, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma for a day of rallying around food insecurity issues in our state.
The day saw briefs given by partner and community leaders, lived experts, insights from legislators themselves, as well as scheduled visits with many additional lawmakers to discuss the topic firsthand.
HFO’s Youth Action Council took part in the event, expressing their concerns and perspectives on school meals for all. Legislators were receptive to their points of view, hearing that young people can’t thrive in school, nor in life, without a good meal and start to their school day.
The message was consistent across the legislative visits: lawmakers need to make alleviating hunger a priority, a bipartisan priority. To paraphrase Representative Jeff Boatman’s remarks to the group: people don’t say ‘I am a Republican; my child doesn’t have enough to eat. I am a Democrat, and I can’t afford to put food on the table every night.’ Politics take a back seat to hunger; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe; food insecurity isn’t filtered by these tenets.
This day of action shows that each of us holds a unique piece of the advocacy puzzle. By bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the same table we can build innovation and empathy that has the power to transform communities and industries alike.
Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the cornerstone of progress. By joining forces, we amplify our impact and break down barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Together, we can bridge divides, challenge conventions, and pave the way for a brighter future.
Food insecurity should not be a partisan issue – and it is not a partisan issue for many policymakers. April 22 was an opportunity for state legislators and advocates to engage in dialogue about what policy solutions could help end hunger in Oklahoma. I urge lawmakers and advocates alike to focus on that spirit of collaboration rather than partisan lines.