SNAP

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy Welcome back Insiders! With Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session behind us, our normally fast-paced policy world has relaxed… for now. State Updates Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton approved a series of interim studies on July 9. Studies that […]

7/17/26: Tulsa, OK — Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent interview with Stateline.org raises concerns about his understanding of hunger in Oklahoma and the role that proven anti-hunger programs play. Instead of following the data and research, the governor’s comments dismiss the realities facing hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma families and endorses the shaming of the most […]

6/24/26: Tulsa, OK — A federal judge blocked five state SNAP purchasing restriction pilots that banned SNAP users from purchasing soda and candy with their benefits. At this time, the ruling does not impact SNAP purchasing rules in Oklahoma. The ruling raises questions about the future of similar policies across the country. The federal ruling […]

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates It’s primary election season! Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal to view a sample ballot, check your voter registration status, and view your polling place. Six hundred nine (609) candidates filed for state, federal, legislative, […]

One out of every four kids in Oklahoma doesn’t always have enough food to eat.

No child should have to sit in class hungry, struggling to focus. Hunger makes it harder for students to learn, creates challenges in the classroom for students and teachers, and contributes to worse outcomes for our educational system. Yet for thousands of Oklahoma children, this is their reality.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates The Oklahoma Legislature has adjourned from regular session, capping off an odd session filled with cross chamber disagreements and high stakes policy negotiations. With the way regular session ended, a special session could be on the horizon for the legislature. House leadership had […]

Statement attributed to Chris Bernard, President & CEO, Hunger Free Oklahoma 5/7/26 – Tulsa, OK: Yesterday, Governor Stitt issued an executive order mandating new reporting and verification requirements for Oklahomans seeking essential services like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. The following statement is attributable to Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.  “This executive order is a redundant measure that creates confusion and fear for Oklahomans trying to […]

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates Between candidate filing, breakneck budget negotiations, and the June primary elections rapidly approaching, policy in Oklahoma is keeping us on our toes! If you want to keep up, make sure you’re signed up for […]

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates Legislative session is quickly springing forward. Between committee deadlines, Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol, and some surprising changes to the upcoming Congressional midterm elections, there’s a lot to cover. Below is an updated list […]

Most of the work of getting produce into grocery stores, restaurants, and homes is done by immigrants. Immigrants are the foundation of the U.S. agriculture system, not only as workers but also as consumers. Yet many are left vulnerable to exploitation, poverty, and food insecurity despite everything they contribute to our agricultural system and economy.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Updates The 2026 Oklahoma legislative session is off to a busy start. Below is a list of the top bills we are tracking this session. As you might notice, this list is significantly longer compared to previous sessions. This demonstrates the legislature’s increased interest […]

1/26/26 – Tulsa, OK: Hunger Free Oklahoma has consistently championed the efficient and fair administration of government programs that support long-term economic stability for Oklahomans. We support Governor Stitt’s calls for increased transparency, reduced bureaucracy, and thoughtful mitigation of benefit cliffs to improve program operations.

One day into my fellowship with The Congressional Hunger Center, the federal government shut down. What seemed like an inconvenience that might last a few days, or at worst, a couple of weeks, dragged on throughout my entire first month in the anti-hunger, anti-poverty policy space.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist Welcome to 2026! Our team is rested and ready to tackle hunger and food policy in the new year. If you’re new to Capitol Insider, we share updates on news and policy changes at the state, federal, and administrative levels that touch on […]

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist We wish you glad tidings in our final edition of Capitol Insider 2025! This year has been eventful, and we appreciate that you have read along through this constantly changing policy environment. We’re looking forward to […]

Dear Supporters and Partners,
This year reminded us of what it means to show up for our communities and that the path to success is not always a straight line. Together, with partners across Oklahoma, we expanded access to proven programs, responded to urgent challenges, and continued building the systems that help families thrive. We also advocated against sweeping changes to SNAP and the food safety net. While we lessened the damage, we could not stop it all.

Most Americans picture service members as resilient and self-sufficient — and they are. But resilience doesn’t erase the reality that many service members and military families struggle to put food on the table. Food insecurity in the force is not just a social or family welfare issue; it’s a readiness issue that affects health, performance, retention, and ultimately the mission.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist Welcome to November’s edition of Capitol Insider. Frankly, we’re not sure where to begin; the policy environment over this past month has been ever-changing and highly volatile. As we approach the holiday season, we hope you’re […]

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Over the past several weeks, our community has weathered challenges that tested the resilience of the people we serve, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of the entire nonprofit food response network. I want to take a moment to share where things stand, and to express our deep gratitude for your partnership.

11/13/2025 – Tulsa, OK: Hunger Free Oklahoma welcomes the end of the federal government shutdown and the restoration of critical SNAP benefits. We hope that in the next day or two, full SNAP benefits will be distributed in Oklahoma to help our friends and neighbors put food on the table, support jobs up and down the supply chain, and help local economies thrive.

10/21/2025 – Tulsa, OK: Today’s news about a disruption in SNAP benefits is a painful blow for so many of our friends, neighbors, and families who rely on this support. We stand with them and feel the urgency of the impact this decision will have.

10/21/2025 – Tulsa, OK: Today’s news about a disruption in SNAP benefits is a painful blow for so many of our friends, neighbors, and families who rely on this support. We stand with them and feel the urgency of the impact this decision will have.

by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist State Updates Senate Interim Studies All Senate interim studies must be completed before November 1, 2025. House Interim Studies Upcoming State Legislative Dates & Deadlines Federal Updates The government remains in a shutdown, and Congressional Democrats […]

10/21/2025 – Tulsa, OK: Today’s news about a disruption in SNAP benefits is a painful blow for so many of our friends, neighbors, and families who rely on this support. We stand with them and feel the urgency of the impact this decision will have.