Hunger Free Oklahoma and its partners engage on food security issues
TULSA, Okla. (June 26, 2023) – In 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. This visit underscores the commitment of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to engage with those working to end food insecurity at the state level to help inform decision making in Washington, DC.
Dean first visited Ellen Ochoa Elementary School, a Union Public Schools site offering area children sit-down breakfasts and lunches through the Summer Food Service Program. After thanking the cafeteria staff for their role in ensuring that students are ready to learn, Dean moved from table to table where she listened and laughed with students as they enjoyed their breakfasts which included fresh, Oklahoma-grown Porter Peaches.
After a visit with the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Dean sat down with the Oklahoma Childhood Food Security Coalition for a listening session at the Hunger Free Oklahoma office. Attendees included representatives from local YMCAs, food banks, public-school districts, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other community organizations. They were very engaged in conversation about ways to improve access to child nutrition programs, and Dean took many notes. Chelsea Casso of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma summed up the session well when she said to Dean, “It is inspiring to know that you are here to hear us.”
A meeting with a group of people engaged in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach followed and the vibe was similar. Dean noted her 25-year history of work on SNAP and referred to the crowd as “her people.” She had thoughtful answers for questions, good suggestions for challenges, and was occasionally challenged herself when hearing about barriers unique to Oklahoma. She clearly enjoyed the dialogue and attendees clearly appreciated the opportunity to be heard.
Throughout the day, Deputy Under Secretary Dean’s message was that ensuring food security for all citizens is a fundamental commitment of our nation. She noted the sophistication of the policy work done by Hunger Free Oklahoma and repeatedly commented on the power of the collaborations represented in the room.
Reflecting on the day, Hunger Free Oklahoma President & CEO Chris Bernard said, “Hunger Free Oklahoma is honored to host Deputy Under Secretary Dean and appreciates the recognition and support from the USDA. The organization remains dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships, leveraging resources, and empowering local communities to create lasting solutions in the face of food insecurity.”
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Hunger Free Oklahoma works to leverage the power of collaboration to solve hunger in Oklahoma by improving systems, policies, and practices. Learn more at HungerFreeOK.org.